Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language historical courtroom drama that serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2019 film Kesari. Directed by debutant filmmaker Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films, the movie shifts from the battlefield heroics of its predecessor to a powerful legal confrontation, shedding light on one of the darkest chapters in India’s freedom struggle—the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. Released on April 18, 2025, this film has captivated audiences with its emotional depth, stellar performances, and unflinching portrayal of historical truths.
The Plot: A Battle for Truth
Unlike the first Kesari, which depicted the Battle of Saragarhi, Kesari Chapter 2 centers on the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where British forces under General Reginald Dyer fired on unarmed Indian civilians in Amritsar, killing hundreds (or possibly thousands). The film is based on the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, focusing on the life of C. Sankaran Nair, a distinguished Indian barrister and member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council.
Akshay Kumar stars as Nair, a man initially tasked by the British to investigate the massacre, expecting a report that would favor the Crown. However, as Nair uncovers the horrific truth—1650 bullets fired over 10 minutes on innocent men, women, and children—his conscience compels him to take a stand. Defying expectations, he sues General Dyer and the British Empire for genocide, igniting a courtroom battle that challenges colonial oppression. The narrative is enriched by the fictional character Neville McKinley (R. Madhavan), a British lawyer representing the Crown, and Dilreet Gill (Ananya Panday), a young law student who evolves into a fierce advocate for justice.
The film masterfully blends historical accuracy with dramatic intensity, exploring Nair’s transformation from a loyal servant of the British to a revolutionary figure whose legal fight sparked India’s freedom movement. It’s a story of courage, betrayal, and the power of truth in the face of injustice.
Cast and Crew: A Stellar Ensemble
Kesari Chapter 2 boasts a talented cast that brings this historical drama to life:
- Akshay Kumar as C. Sankaran Nair: Kumar delivers a towering performance, capturing Nair’s emotional complexity and unwavering resolve. His portrayal has been lauded as a potential career-defining role, earning standing ovations at special screenings.
- R. Madhavan as Neville McKinley: Madhavan’s controlled yet intense performance as the antagonistic British lawyer adds depth to the courtroom clashes, though some reviews note his character could have been more prominent in the climax.
- Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill: Panday surprises with a impactful role, transforming from a nervous novice to a fiery cross-examiner. Her courtroom scenes, particularly a standout argument, have been widely praised.
- Regina Cassandra: Plays a crucial supporting role, marking her first collaboration with Kumar.
- Krish Rao as Pargat Singh: A young revolutionary whose encounter with Nair shifts his perspective.
Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, a lawyer-turned-filmmaker, the movie benefits from his nuanced understanding of courtroom dynamics. The screenplay, penned by Amritpal Singh Bindra, Akshat Ghildial, and Sumit Saxena, is tight and emotionally charged, though some critics noted occasional commercial flourishes, like a loud score, that detract from its groundedness. The cinematography by Debojeet Ray vividly recreates the era, with a large-scale set of Jallianwala Bagh constructed in Mumbai. The music, composed by Sashwat Sachdev, complements the narrative, with the song O Shera – Teer Te Taj (a reimagined version of a protest anthem) adding patriotic fervor.
Release and Reception
Initially titled Shankara, the film was renamed Kesari Chapter 2 in February 2025 to establish a thematic link with Kesari (2019). It was officially announced by producer Karan Johar on March 22, 2025, with a teaser released on March 24 and a trailer on April 3. The film hit theaters on April 18, 2025, coinciding with the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, after being postponed from its original March 14 date. It received an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate from the CBFC, with a runtime of 134 minutes.
The movie opened to mostly positive reviews, with critics praising its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and historical significance. Bollywood Hungama rated it 3.5/5, calling it “a hard-hitting courtroom drama” that “tells an untold and shocking chapter of Indian history.” Pinkvilla hailed it as a “must-watch” for its “unflinching portrayal of a dark chapter,” though some noted pacing issues in the first half. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 50% approval rating based on 12 reviews, reflecting mixed critical sentiment. Social media reactions on X have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans calling it a “cinematic masterpiece” and predicting a National Award.
At the box office, Kesari Chapter 2 earned ₹7.75 crore on its opening day, with a total of ₹17.25 crore by day two, showing modest growth. It recorded a 25.78% Hindi occupancy on April 19, with Chennai and Bengaluru leading in footfalls. While it didn’t match the ₹21 crore opening of Kesari (2019), its ₹3 crore advance bookings and positive word-of-mouth suggest a steady run, though the ‘A’ rating may limit its audience.
OTT Release and Future Prospects
The digital streaming rights for Kesari Chapter 2 have been acquired by JioHotstar for a reported ₹105 crore. The film is expected to premiere on the platform around June 20, 2025, following a two-month theatrical run, though an official date is pending.
A sequel, Kesari Chapter 3, was confirmed by Akshay Kumar and Deepak Rao Capour in April 2025. It will focus on Hari Singh Nalwa, the first commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Fauj, continuing the franchise’s exploration of Sikh valor and Indian history.
Why Kesari Chapter 2 Matters
Kesari Chapter 2 is more than a historical drama; it’s a tribute to the unsung heroes who dared to challenge an empire. By focusing on C. Sankaran Nair’s legal battle, the film uncovers a lesser-known facet of India’s fight for freedom, making it a must-watch for those who value history and justice. Its emotional climax, patriotic fervor, and powerful performances—especially Kumar’s nuanced portrayal and Panday’s surprising depth—make it a cinematic experience that resonates deeply.
This chapter in the Kesari franchise reminds us that some battles are fought not with weapons but with words and courage. As Nair’s story shakes the conscience of its viewers, it invites us to reflect on the sacrifices that shaped modern India and the enduring power of standing up for truth.
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