Kesari Chapter 2 is a powerful historical drama that released on April 18, 2025. Directed by Karan Singh, this movie is not a direct sequel to the 2019 war film Kesari, but a spiritual follow-up that explores another tragic chapter of Indian history , Jallianwala massacre.
The film stars Akshay Kumar in the lead role as Justice C. Sankaran Nair, supported by R. Madhavan as British lawyer Neville McKinley, and Ananya Panday as a law student named Dilreet Gill. Backed by Dharma Productions, Cape of Good Films, and Leo Media Collective, the film runs for about 135 minutes and is filled with courtroom tension, emotional scenes, and historical references.
Kesari Chapter Actor Name
| Cast Name | Characters |
|---|---|
| Simon Paisley Day | General Reginald Dyer |
| Alexx O’Nell | |
| Rohan Verma | Jaan-Nisar-Akhtar |
| Mark Bennington | Michael O’Dwyer |
| Sammy Jonas Heaney | Harold Laksi |
| Ananya Panday | Dilreet Gill |
| Akshay Kumar | Chettur Sankaran Nair |
| Regina Cassandra | |
| R. Madhavan | Neville McKinley |
| Amit Sial |
Plot Summary
Set in 1919, the movie opens with the horrifying incident at Jallianwala Bagh, where hundreds of peaceful Indian protestors were shot by General Reginald Dyer and his troops. The British government then tried to cover up the massacre, labeling the victims as troublemakers.
Enter Justice Sankaran Nair, a well-respected Indian judge who gets deeply disturbed by the way the British justified the killings. After witnessing the injustice and listening to the stories of survivors and revolutionaries, he decides to take a bold step: he files a legal case against the British Empire.
What follows is a gripping courtroom battle, where Indian patriotism clashes with British colonial power. The legal fight between Akshay Kumar’s Justice Nair and Madhavan’s Neville McKinley becomes the heart of the story, showcasing how one man’s voice shook an entire empire.
Cast Performances
Akshay Kumar delivers one of his most powerful performances as Justice Nair. He brings out the emotional intensity, legal sharpness, and fearless attitude of a man fighting against the British Raj. His courtroom speeches are full of goosebumps moments.
Ananya Panday plays the role of a young law student who supports Nair’s mission. She brings fresh energy and conviction to her character. Meanwhile, R. Madhavan nails the role of the smart and tough British lawyer. His screen presence adds serious weight to the courtroom scenes.
Simon Paisley Day, who plays General Dyer, is chillingly convincing, making you genuinely hate his character , which means he did his job well.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Karan Singh Tyagi, who was a lawyer before turning to filmmaking, brings real-life courtroom knowledge into the film. His direction makes sure the story is both authentic and engaging. There’s no unnecessary drama , just a strong narrative told with purpose.
The cinematography beautifully captures the British-era India. From courtrooms to the blood-soaked fields of Amritsar, every frame looks detailed and rich. Shashwat Sachdev’s music fits the emotional tone of the movie, especially songs like O Shera and Kithe Gaya Tu Saaiyaan, which stay with you.
The editing keeps the movie tight, and the inclusion of Teri Mitti from the first Kesari movie brings in a nostalgic touch that hits the heart.
Critical Reviews
The movie has received mostly positive reviews from film critics:
- One site gave it 3.5/5, calling it a “hard-hitting courtroom drama.”
- Another critic rated it 4/5, praising the performances, emotional storytelling, and cinematic value.
- A leading Bollywood portal appreciated Akshay’s performance and said he “roars like a tiger” in every courtroom scene.
Overall, critics agree that Kesari Chapter 2 is not just a film, but a tribute to forgotten heroes of India’s freedom struggle.
Public and Celebrity Reaction
The public response has been largely positive, especially on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Viewers are calling it a must-watch for every Indian and praising the way history was presented without boring the audience.
Some people felt the film was a bit slow in parts, but almost everyone appreciated the powerful message and the acting performances.
Celebrities like Vicky Kaushal and Urmila Matondkar praised the movie, especially highlighting the magical performances by the lead cast. The film has also started conversations about forgotten Indian heroes, which adds to its overall impact.
Conclusion
Kesari Chapter 2 is not just a movie , it’s a historical eye-opener. It tells the story of one man who stood up against the British Empire using the power of law, not weapons. With stellar acting, strong direction, and an emotional storyline, it’s a film that connects with the audience on many levels.
If you’re someone who enjoys meaningful cinema, real stories, and power-packed courtroom drama, this one is definitely worth watching.