Discover why Kesari Chapter 2, starring Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, and R. Madhavan, is hailed as a must-watch historical drama. Explore celebrity reviews, plot insights, and more.
Kesari Chapter 2 Review: Akshay Kumar’s Gripping Historical Drama Stuns Audiences and Critics
Kesari Chapter 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit Kesari, has stormed into theaters on April 18, 2025, with a powerful narrative centered on India’s freedom struggle. Directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Dharma Productions, the film stars Akshay Kumar as C. Sankaran Nair, a real-life lawyer who challenged the British Raj to expose the truth behind the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Co-starring R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, this courtroom drama has already garnered standing ovations and glowing reviews from Bollywood icons and audiences alike.
Star-Studded Cast & Crew
- Akshay Kumar as C. Sankaran Nair: The fearless lawyer fighting for justice.
- R. Madhavan as Advocate Neville McKinley: A British lawyer with a moral conflict.
- Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill: A pivotal character bridging past and present.
- Director: Karan Singh Tyagi (debut).
- Producers: Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films.
The film also features Regina Cassandra and Simon Paisley Day in supporting roles.
Plot Overview: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh
Based on the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, Kesari Chapter 2 delves into the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre through a courtroom lens. Akshay Kumar’s character, Sankaran Nair, battles colonial forces to uncover the truth, while R. Madhavan’s Advocate McKinley adds layers of moral complexity. Ananya Panday shines as Dilreet Gill, a young woman entangled in the historical turmoil.
Celebrity Reviews: Bollywood’s Verdict
Bollywood heavyweights have hailed Kesari Chapter 2 as a cinematic triumph:
- Vicky Kaushal: “An untold story told with grit and sensitivity! Akshay Kumar is pure magic!”
- Urmila Matondkar: “Spectacular performances! A must-watch for every Indian.”
- Farah Khan: Praised the film’s direction and called it “a roaring success.”
- Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri: “A powerful ode to India’s freedom movement.”
Filmmaker Raj Mehta applauded the film’s “goosebump-inducing narrative,” while Suniel Shetty dubbed it “history that thunders on screen.”
When Courage commands the Screen, history doesn’t whisper – it thunders. Wishing Akki and the entire team of Kesari 2 the very best for this epic chapter. @akshaykumar #KesariChapter2 pic.twitter.com/tWXiXKveGR
— Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) April 18, 2025
Twitter Reactions & Audience Buzz
Social media exploded with praise after special screenings:
- “#KesariChapter2 is Akshay Kumar’s BEST performance! National Award worthy!” – @MovieBuff2025
- “The climax left me in tears. A masterpiece!” – @CinemaLover
- Fans trended “Akshay Kumar for National Award” on X (formerly Twitter).
Historical Significance & Source Material
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre remains one of India’s darkest colonial-era tragedies, where British troops killed over 1,000 unarmed civilians. Kesari Chapter 2 revives the legacy of C. Sankaran Nair, whose legal battle exposed British atrocities.
Did You Know?
- The real Sankaran Nair resigned from the Viceroy’s Executive Council in protest.
- The film’s script underwent 3 years of research for historical accuracy.
For deeper insights, explore The Case That Shook the Empire on Amazon.
Box Office Potential & Release Details
Released on April 18, 2025, the film is expected to dominate box offices, given its patriotic appeal and star power. Early estimates suggest a ₹100 crore+ opening weekend in India.
Watch Trailer:
Why Kesari Chapter 2 is a Must-Watch
- Akshay Kumar’s Career-Best Performance: His portrayal of Sankaran Nair is intense and nuanced.
- Historical Relevance: A timely reminder of India’s struggle for freedom.
- Stellar Supporting Cast: R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday deliver breakout performances.
- Cinematic Excellence: Grand sets, gripping screenplay, and a soul-stirring background score.
FAQs
Q: Is Kesari Chapter 2 a sequel to the 2019 film Kesari?
A: Yes, but it focuses on a different historical event and characters.
Q: Where can I watch Kesari Chapter 2?
A: The film is currently in theaters worldwide.
Q: How accurate is the film’s portrayal of history?
A: The script is based on verified historical records and the book The Case That Shook the Empire.
Final Verdict: Kesari Chapter 2 is more than a film—it’s an emotional journey through India’s past, powered by stellar performances and masterful storytelling. Don’t miss this cinematic gem!
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