Kesari Chapter 2 Akshay Kumar Review: Why This Is a Very Special Movie

There are movies that entertain, some that inform, and a rare few that inspire. Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh belongs to that exceptional category. Directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi and starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, this film is not just a continuation of the Kesari saga but a powerful retelling of a chapter from India’s freedom struggle that few truly know — the courtroom confrontation after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This emotionally searing narrative doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings; it demands your attention, reflection, and respect.

Kesari Chapter 2 Akshay Kumar Review: A Soulful Tribute to Courage and Justice

From the first frame, Kesari Chapter 2 asserts its intention to stir emotions and ignite national pride. Akshay Kumar’s performance as C. Sankaran Nair is both restrained and explosive. The film opens with a haunting portrayal of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre — an incident that still chills the Indian conscience — and quickly transitions into the riveting legal drama that forms the film’s spine. Within the first 10 minutes, Akshay has already delivered what many are calling the performance of his career.

The film follows Nair’s bold step of suing the British Empire for genocide, particularly targeting General Reginald Dyer, played chillingly by British actor Simon Paisley Day. Wikipedia records the real-life massacre as one of the darkest chapters in colonial history, but the movie dives deeper into the psychological and moral weight of that horror. What sets Kesari Chapter 2 apart is how it channels that pain into courtroom scenes that feel like battlegrounds of truth, dignity, and resistance.

Tyagi’s vision allows Akshay’s C. Sankaran Nair to be more than just a lawyer — he is the soul of every Indian who refused to stay silent. Ananya Panday’s portrayal of lawyer Dilreet Gill is surprisingly mature and nuanced, marking a career-defining shift for the actress. R. Madhavan, as the suave and assertive British lawyer Neville McKinley, brings a menacing calmness that makes the courtroom confrontations even more intense.

Why Kesari Chapter 2 Is More Than a Movie — It’s a Moment in Indian Cinema

Many patriotic films have come and gone, but few leave a cultural imprint. Kesari Chapter 2 does that by presenting historical resistance not just through weapons or slogans, but through law, intellect, and sheer resolve. The movie is based on The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu and Pushpa Palat — a book about C. Sankaran Nair’s real-life legal battle that disrupted colonial narratives. This adaptation stands as one of the rare cinematic efforts that dares to bring courtroom history into mainstream discourse.

Director Tyagi deserves high praise for using the courtroom as a stage where every dialogue matters. The intensity never feels overdone. The monologue by Akshay in the film’s final 20 minutes received a standing ovation during the special screening in Delhi, as reported by ZoomBangla.

The background score by Shashwat Sachdev and the emotionally charged use of the iconic “Teri Mitti” song elevate every poignant moment. Debojeet Ray’s cinematography masterfully captures the colonial-era aesthetics without romanticizing the period. The dusty streets, the gavel slams, and the dimly-lit chambers all feel painstakingly real.

One cannot ignore the emotional core of the film — especially when Akshay Kumar revealed that his own grandfather lived opposite Jallianwala Bagh. His emotional investment is visible in every frame. As he said in interviews, “This film is not just a role, it’s my duty as an Indian.” That sentiment translates powerfully onscreen.

How the Film Has Been Received by Celebrities and Politicians

Film critic Taran Adarsh called it “one of the finest Hindi films in years.” Vicky Kaushal termed it “absolute magic.” Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri lauded it as a “cinematic ode to India’s freedom movement,” while Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised its powerful portrayal of courage and sacrifice. This level of cross-industry praise is rare — and deserved.

Twinkle Khanna, Akshay’s wife, was visibly moved at the premiere. Actor Chunky Panday beamed with pride for daughter Ananya. The screening wasn’t just a Bollywood affair — it felt like a national moment.

Box Office and Cultural Impact

Kesari Chapter 2 opened to a decent Rs 7.5 crore, which may seem modest compared to mainstream masala films, but given the genre and subject, it’s a strong indicator of word-of-mouth success. The film had a 17.40% occupancy on Day 1, with night shows seeing a surge due to emotional word of mouth. It’s also sparked debates online about how history should be remembered — not erased.

More than box office numbers, what matters is how this film is already becoming a part of conversations in homes, schools, and policy circles. Akshay Kumar’s performance — from his Kathakali-inspired court costume to the righteous anger in his voice — will likely go down as one of the most authentic portrayals of an unsung hero.

Akshay Kumar’s Career Redemption Through Kesari Chapter 2

After a string of lukewarm releases, this movie is a bold statement of intent from Akshay Kumar. While Sky Force earlier this year gave a hint of resurgence, Kesari Chapter 2 is the full-blown comeback. His monologue in the climax and his emotional breakdown in one of the court scenes are bound to be referenced in future discussions of great performances in Indian cinema.

It’s also heartening to see Bollywood investing in historically rooted stories without compromising on craft. The costume design, dialogues, courtroom set design, and subtlety in storytelling prove that entertainment and substance can coexist.

With Kesari Chapter 2, Akshay not only reclaims his spot among top Bollywood actors but also raises the bar for historical storytelling. This film could mark the beginning of a new wave of courtroom-based patriotic dramas that explore forgotten heroes using authentic legal documentation.

Kesari Chapter 2 is not just cinema — it’s a cultural awakening.

FAQs

What is Kesari Chapter 2 about?

It is a historical courtroom drama based on the real-life legal battle led by C. Sankaran Nair against the British Empire, following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Is Kesari Chapter 2 connected to the first Kesari film?

Yes, it is a spiritual sequel. While the first film focused on the Battle of Saragarhi, this one explores the legal aftermath of British atrocities through a different historical figure.

How is Akshay Kumar’s performance in Kesari Chapter 2?

Akshay Kumar delivers what many are calling his best performance in years. His portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair is deeply moving, intense, and full of conviction.

Is Kesari Chapter 2 worth watching in theatres?

Absolutely. With powerful performances, an emotional story, and a strong historical foundation, the film is best experienced on the big screen.

Who are the key supporting actors in the film?

R. Madhavan plays British advocate Neville McKinley, and Ananya Panday plays Dilreet Gill. Both have received praise for their compelling performances.

What is the significance of the first 10 minutes in the film?

Akshay Kumar himself urged audiences not to miss the beginning, as it lays the emotional foundation and context for the courtroom battle that follows.