Akshay Kumar is back on the big screen with a compelling and emotionally charged historical drama, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, which hit theatres on April 18, 2025. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, this intense courtroom drama is a spiritual successor to his 2019 hit Kesari and focuses on one of the most pivotal legal battles in colonial Indian history.
🎬 Plot Overview:
Set in the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the film tells the story of C. Sankaran Nair, a courageous lawyer portrayed by Akshay Kumar. Nair took a bold stand against the British Empire in court, aiming to expose the truth and seek justice for the victims of the brutal massacre.
- R. Madhavan plays the antagonist — British lawyer Neville McKinley, who defends the empire’s narrative.
- Ananya Panday takes on the role of Dilreet Gill, a spirited young lawyer assisting Nair in his legal fight.
The film is based on the critically acclaimed book “The Case That Shook The Empire” by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, who are the great-grandchildren of Sankaran Nair himself.
📈 Early Buzz & Box Office:
- Over 50,000 tickets sold in advance
- Rs 3 crore in advance booking before its release
- Riding on strong word-of-mouth and patriotic themes, the film has opened to packed shows in major cities.
🔙 Flashback: Akshay’s First Kesari
Released in March 2019, Kesari depicted the Battle of Saragarhi (1897), where 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army stood against 10,000 Afghan invaders. It earned:
- Rs 155.7 crore (net) in India
- Rs 208.8 crore worldwide
Directed by Anurag Singh, it was a blend of patriotism, valor, and sacrifice that resonated deeply with audiences.
📝 Final Take:
With Kesari Chapter 2, Akshay Kumar continues to highlight unsung heroes of Indian history, this time in the courtroom rather than on the battlefield. The film not only serves as a gripping legal drama but also as a reminder of the price of justice under colonial rule. If you’re a fan of courtroom thrillers, history-based films, or Akshay’s patriotic avatars, this one promises to deliver on all fronts.
