Akshay Kumar stuns as Justice Nair in gripping Kesari Chapter 2—Jallianwala Bagh massacre revisited in bold cinematic retelling

How does Kesari Chapter 2 portray the Jallianwala Bagh massacre’s aftermath?

Kesarī Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh transports audiences into one of the most haunting chapters of colonial Indian history. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and released theatrically on April 18, 2025, the historical drama explores the legal and political consequences of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre through the lens of Justice C. Sankaran Nair’s fight for accountability.

Akshay Kumar delivers a stoic yet forceful performance as Chettoor Sankaran Nair, a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council who resigns in protest against the massacre. The film dramatizes his ensuing lawsuit against the British government, specifically targeting General Reginald Dyer and Michael O’Dwyer. Set against a brutal episode in India‘s colonial past, Kesari Chapter 2 repositions the courtroom as a battleground for justice.

In contrast to the first Kesari film, which focused on the 1897 Battle of Saragarhi, this chapter functions as a spiritual sequel by thematically continuing the resistance narrative—this time in court rather than on the battlefield.

What historical context does Kesari Chapter 2 draw upon?

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, remains one of the darkest episodes of British rule in India. Under the orders of General Dyer, British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering in Amritsar without warning. The attack resulted in the deaths of hundreds of unarmed civilians, though official British figures claimed far fewer casualties.

Justice C. Sankaran Nair’s response was swift and unprecedented. As the only Indian member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council at the time, his resignation marked a significant political statement. He later sued Sir Michael O’Dwyer in a British court for defamation after being accused of falsehoods in relation to the massacre. This case, known historically as Nair v. O’Dwyer, became a symbolic challenge to colonial impunity.

The film adapts these legal proceedings based on the non-fiction book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. It aligns its dramatization closely with documented events while emphasizing the moral and political weight of Sankaran Nair’s stand.

Who are the lead characters, and how do their performances support the film’s core themes?

Akshay Kumar leads the cast as Justice Sankaran Nair, bringing both gravitas and empathy to the role. His portrayal emphasizes the tension between colonial loyalty and nationalist awakening. Kumar’s performance is supported by R. Madhavan as Neville McKinley, a British barrister defending the Crown’s stance. Madhavan’s character adds dimension to the imperial viewpoint, avoiding cartoonish villainy and instead presenting a lawyer navigating institutional allegiance.

Ananya Panday plays Dilreet Gill, a young Indian legal aide working with Nair. Her character, while fictionalized, offers a fresh generational perspective and helps ground the film’s more procedural elements in relatable emotionality. Regina Cassandra appears as Parvathy Nair, bringing domestic and personal depth to Sankaran Nair’s public battle.

Simon Paisley Day plays General Dyer with calculated cruelty, while Alexx O’Nell’s portrayal of Lord Chelmsford underscores the complacency of colonial governance. Other cast members, including Amit Sial and Mark Bennington, contribute to a textured ensemble that enhances the film’s credibility.

Where was Kesari Chapter 2 filmed and how does its production elevate the narrative?

The production design of Kesari Chapter 2 plays a crucial role in immersing the audience in the historical period. Principal photography began in late 2022 with scenes shot across multiple Indian locations to authentically depict early 20th-century settings.

The Jallianwala Bagh set was recreated in Mumbai with detailed precision, while sequences were also filmed at IIT Roorkee, Alibag, Rewari Railway Station, and parts of Delhi including Red Fort and Sunder Nursery. These authentic backdrops lend the courtroom and civil service settings a tactile realism.

Cinematographer Debojeet Ray opts for a desaturated visual tone that complements the somber subject matter, while editor Nitin Baid ensures narrative momentum despite the procedural setup. The film’s 135-minute runtime feels dense but purposeful, with each scene advancing the legal and emotional stakes.

What role does the soundtrack play in underscoring the film’s themes?

Released by Zee Music Company, the soundtrack for Kesari Chapter 2 is emotionally resonant without overwhelming the historical gravitas. Composed by Shashwat Sachdev along with Kavita Seth and Kanishk Seth, the music mixes Sufi and folk influences to reflect both the regional setting and spiritual themes of justice and sacrifice.

“O Shera – Teer Te Taj,” the lead track sung by Manmohan Waris, Kamal Heer, and Sangtar, serves as a rousing tribute to resistance. The song’s origin in the 2020–2021 Indian farmers’ protest infuses it with a cross-temporal message of civil disobedience. Other tracks like “Parwardigara” and “Khumaari” create reflective pauses in the narrative, bridging legal strategy with human suffering.

How has the film performed commercially and what are its prospects?

Despite the star power of Akshay Kumar and strong critical anticipation, the film had a subdued opening at the box office. Early trade estimates pegged day-one collections at around ₹3.5 crore, a significant drop from the original Kesari which opened to ₹21 crore in 2019.

However, the producers are reportedly optimistic, given the film’s release on the anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and a long holiday weekend. Moreover, the film has sparked academic interest and word-of-mouth discussions, especially among students and history enthusiasts.

Digital streaming rights have been acquired by JioHotstar, indicating that the film is expected to find a broader viewership online, particularly among diaspora audiences keen on Indian historical narratives.

What does Kesari Chapter 2 signal for future historical cinema in India?

With confirmation of Kesari Chapter 3 by Akshay Kumar, the franchise appears poised to become a trilogy of resistance narratives rooted in Sikh and Indian nationalist history. The next installment is said to focus on Hari Singh Nalwa, a commander in the Sikh Khalsa Fauj during the 19th century.

This cinematic strategy reflects a growing trend in Indian cinema where historical figures outside the usual Gandhi-Nehru narrative are being given their due. Films like Sardar Udham and The Legend of Bhagat Singh have paved the way for more nuanced representations, and Kesari Chapter 2 continues that evolution.

While not without flaws, especially in terms of character depth and dramatic pacing, the film contributes significantly to the genre by highlighting a lesser-known but pivotal moment of legal resistance against colonial rule.