Kesari Chapter 2 hit theatres today, bringing to screens a harrowing chapter from India’s fight for freedom — the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Unlike its predecessor, which charged ahead with battlefield valour, Kesari Chapter 2 turns sharply into a courtroom drama, spotlighting lawyer C. Sankaran Nair’s fearless quest to drag the British Empire into the light of truth. Inspired by The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, the movie refuses to blink when it comes to raw, uncomfortable realities.
Bolstered by powerhouse performances from Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and a surprisingly strong Ananya Panday, this sequel holds its ground.
Storytelling That Punches Right Where It Hurts
Director Karan Singh Tyagi doesn’t mess around — his narrative pulls no punches. The courtroom scenes are so tight and absorbing that you’ll barely notice your popcorn. The execution is slick, the emotions hit like a freight train, and the dialogues pierce through the noise. That haunting recreation of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre? It’s a gut punch that lingers well after the lights come back on.
If there’s a bump in the road, it’s the use of English in some scenes, which might leave certain audiences feeling a bit left out. A minor dent in an otherwise roaring engine.
Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan: A Masterclass in Command
Akshay Kumar is nothing short of a force of nature here. His performance smoulders — full of controlled rage and heartfelt depth — culminating in a climactic outburst that feels utterly earned. Easily one of the strongest acts of his career.
Meanwhile, R. Madhavan doesn’t just show up — he annihilates. Precision, menace, complexity — he brings it all. After last year’s Shaitaan, Madhavan proves again why he’s in a league of his own.
Simon Paisley Day nails General Dyer’s villainy with chilling effectiveness, and Ananya Panday, in a rare twist, fits perfectly into the historical canvas. Regina Cassandra, Amit Sial, and young Krish Rao make every moment they get count.
Final Verdict: A Stirring Salute to Forgotten Heroes
Kesari Chapter 2 doesn’t just tell a story; it shakes you awake. It’s a soul-stirring tribute to the forgotten warriors of India’s freedom struggle. Flaws aside, this film demands to be seen — and remembered.
Rating: ★★★★☆
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