In an era where historical narratives are being retold through modern lenses, “Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh” has struck a powerful emotional chord with the Indian audience. Released on April 18, 2025, to coincide with the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, this 135-minute courtroom drama blends national sentiment with riveting legal confrontations.
Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2019 hit Kesari, and is based on the groundbreaking book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu and Pushpa Palat. With Akshay Kumar leading a brilliant cast including R. Madhavan, Regina Cassandra, and Ananya Panday, the movie isn’t just a cinematic spectacle — it’s a wake-up call.
Let’s dive deep into what makes this film such a polarizing and historic triumph.
Courage in the Courtroom: A Forgotten Hero Resurfaces
Justice C. Sankaran Nair stands as a remarkable yet often overlooked figure in India’s freedom movement, whose principled defiance of the British Raj after the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre set him apart from his contemporaries. Born in Kerala and serving as the President of the Indian National Congress in 1897, Nair was a reformer and visionary who championed social justice and self-governance for Indians. His defining act came in the wake of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, where British troops under General Dyer fired upon unarmed civilians in Amritsar, sparking nationwide outrage.
As a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council, Nair chose to resign in protest—a rare and courageous move for an Indian official of his stature at the time. This act of conscience reverberated across the country, lifting press censorship in Punjab, ending martial law, and prompting the formation of the Hunter Commission to investigate the massacre.
The film’s narrative centers on the pivotal moment when Nair, refusing to be silenced, published his book Gandhi and Anarchy, in which he directly blamed Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, for the massacre. O’Dwyer responded by filing a defamation lawsuit against Nair in London’s Court of King’s Bench in 1924, resulting in one of the most high-profile civil trials of the era. The trial, lasting over five weeks, saw Nair pitted against a hostile English jury and a biased judge, yet he steadfastly refused to apologize or retract his statements, even when offered leniency.
Although the verdict went against him—with Nair ordered to pay £500 in damages and court costs—his moral victory was undeniable. The case exposed the prejudices of the British legal system, drew international attention to colonial atrocities in India, and galvanized nationalist sentiment back home. Nair’s unwavering stand, even in defeat, inspired countless Indians and underscored the power of intellect and moral clarity against imperial might.
The significance of Nair’s courtroom rebellion lies in its demonstration of resistance through legal and intellectual means, rather than armed struggle. By taking the British Empire to court on its own soil, Nair transformed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre from a suppressed colonial atrocity into a global cause célèbre, forcing the world to confront the realities of British rule in India.
His refusal to compromise his principles, despite personal and professional cost, set a precedent for future generations of Indian leaders and reformers. The renewed attention to his legacy—through films like Kesari Chapter 2 and recent tributes by national leaders—serves as a reminder of the diverse forms of courage that fueled India’s fight for independence, and of the enduring relevance of standing up for truth and justice in the face of overwhelming power.
Star Power with Soul: Akshay Kumar and Cast Shine Bright
Akshay Kumar takes on the role of Justice Sankaran Nair with such gravitas that audiences are left stunned. It’s a performance that ditches Bollywood theatrics for raw emotion. His portrayal is restrained, thoughtful, and intense — perfect for a man trying to fight an empire with words and integrity.
Supporting Cast Highlights:
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R. Madhavan plays Nair’s legal adversary with nuanced villainy, never slipping into caricature.
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Ananya Panday, in a welcome departure from her glam roles, plays Dilreet Gill, a journalist-in-training seeking guidance from Nair. Their relationship is one of mentorship and mutual respect.
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Regina Cassandra adds grace and emotional depth as Parvathy Nair, Sankaran’s wife, showing the personal cost of his professional courage.
Why it works: There is no romantic subplot between Kumar and Panday. This progressive choice has been widely praised as a refreshing departure from outdated tropes.
Historical Authenticity That Feels All Too Real
Director Karan Singh Tyagi, himself a law graduate, ensures the film remains both legally accurate and historically compelling. Every courtroom dialogue, especially the verbal duels between Sankaran Nair and O’Dwyer’s counsel, rings with authenticity.
Production Value:
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A massive Jallianwala Bagh set was created in Mumbai.
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Sequences were shot at IIT Roorkee, Rewari Junction, Red Fort, Sunder Nursery, and Delhi University.
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The costumes, furniture, and architecture reflect the British colonial era meticulously.
The result is not just historical cinema — it’s a time capsule.
Music, Message & Media: A Perfect Harmony
Kesari Chapter 2, while not a traditional musical, features emotionally charged tracks composed by Shashwat Sachdev, Kavita Seth, and Kanishk Seth that significantly enhance the film’s poignant tone. One standout song, “Khumaari,” includes a cameo by Masaba Gupta and serves as a poetic interlude, providing a moment of reflective calm amid the intense courtroom drama. These tracks complement the narrative’s emotional depth without interrupting the film’s serious and focused storytelling style, adding layers of feeling that resonate with the audience.
The film’s marketing campaign created a massive buzz ahead of its release, with trailers trending at #1 on YouTube India, capturing widespread attention. Akshay Kumar’s passionate speeches during press events went viral on social media platforms, further amplifying anticipation. Hashtags such as #KesariChapter2 and #JusticeForJallianwala dominated Indian Twitter for days following the release, reflecting the film’s strong impact on public discourse. This digital momentum helped the film connect deeply with viewers, especially those interested in India’s colonial history and the fight for justice.
Critically, Kesari Chapter 2 has been well received, with most reviewers awarding it 4 out of 5 stars. Critics have praised the film for its educational depth, emotional power, and cinematic dignity. Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair has been singled out as a masterclass in acting, with many calling for national recognition of his performance. The film’s sensitive handling of a painful historical event, combined with sharp dialogues and compelling courtroom sequences, has earned it acclaim as a worthy and impactful addition to Indian cinema’s historical drama genre.
Resonating with Today’s India: Why This Film Matters Now
The release of Kesari Chapter 2 has quickly become more than just a cinematic event—it’s ignited a nationwide conversation about the enduring relevance of truth, justice, and resistance in modern India. By revisiting the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the courageous legal battle of Justice C. Sankaran Nair, the film draws a powerful parallel between colonial-era injustices and the challenges facing truth and accountability today.
As one reviewer notes, the film is “of its time, for its time,” using the lens of history to reflect on the present, where freedom of speech and the pursuit of justice are once again under scrutiny. The narrative’s unapologetic stance has resonated strongly with audiences, with public response overwhelmingly supportive despite some conservative critics claiming it “villainizes the British too heavily.” This willingness to confront uncomfortable truths has made the film a rallying point for those who see echoes of the past in contemporary struggles for transparency and fairness.
The cultural impact of Kesari Chapter 2 is evident across India’s educational and legal communities. Schools and universities have begun organizing special screenings and panel discussions, using the film as a springboard to discuss not only the events of 1919 but also the broader themes of justice and civil rights. Legal scholars and historians have praised the film for raising awareness about India’s pre-independence judiciary and for shedding light on the lesser-known contributions of figures like Sankaran Nair.
His portrayal as a symbol of dignified resistance has particularly struck a chord with young lawyers and students, many of whom see in his story a model for principled advocacy in the face of overwhelming odds. The character’s journey—from a respected member of the establishment to a defiant challenger of imperial power—serves as both inspiration and a call to action for the next generation of legal professionals.
This renewed attention to historical resistance has also sparked important dialogues about how India remembers its past and confronts its present. The film’s release coincides with ongoing debates about colonial legacy, reparations, and the need for official apologies, as highlighted by recent calls from British MPs for the UK government to formally acknowledge its role in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
By dramatizing Sankaran Nair’s legal battle and moral victory—even in the face of a biased colonial court—the film challenges viewers to consider the power of individual conscience and collective memory. In doing so, Kesari Chapter 2 not only honors the sacrifices of those who fought for justice a century ago but also urges today’s audiences to remain vigilant in defending truth and accountability against all forms of oppression
What’s Next?
According to inside sources, if Kesari Chapter 2 continues its successful run, a third installment focusing on India’s legal revolution post-independence might be greenlit. Whether that happens or not, one thing is clear — the Kesari franchise has cemented itself as more than just cinema. It’s a movement.
In an industry often criticized for valuing entertainment over substance, Kesari Chapter 2 delivers both. It tells a real story, tackles real issues, and celebrates a real hero. It doesn’t just retell history — it reclaims it.
For viewers young and old, this film offers an emotional, intellectual, and patriotic experience that is as rare as it is necessary.
Whether you are a history buff, a law student, or simply someone who values freedom and justice, Kesari Chapter 2 will leave you stirred, informed, and inspired.
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