Starring: Akshay Kumar as Justice Chettoor Sankaran Nair
Simon Paisley Day as General Reginald Dyer
Bollywood’s Khiladi, Akshay Kumar, returns to the big screen in a powerful new avatar—Justice Chettoor Sankaran Nair—in Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh. Releasing on April 18, 2025, this historical courtroom drama dives deep into one of India’s darkest chapters: the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Building on the spirit of 2019’s Kesari, this spiritual sequel trades swords for legal arguments. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Karan Johar, the film is based on the book The Case That Shook the British Empire: One Man’s Fight For The Truth About The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
Plot Summary
Set against the backdrop of British colonial rule, Kesari Chapter 2 centers around Justice Chettoor Sankaran Nair, a respected Indian lawyer and statesman who once served the British administration. However, after the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre—where General Reginald Dyer ordered the cold-blooded murder of thousands of peaceful Indian protestors—Nair has a profound change of heart. He decides to take the British Empire to court, launching an audacious legal battle against the very regime he once supported.
Akshay Kumar delivers a stirring performance as Nair, while British actor Simon Paisley Day convincingly portrays the ruthless General Dyer. Ananya Panday plays Dilreet Gill, Nair’s assistant, and R. Madhavan features as Neville McKinley, Dyer’s defense counsel, adding layers of intensity to the courtroom showdowns.
What Works
1. A Riveting Courtroom Drama
Kesar Chapter 2 taps into raw patriotism and moral outrage, delivering a gripping tale of courage, sacrifice, and justice. The legal battle between Nair and McKinley is written with emotional intensity and performed with gravitas. Akshay Kumar steps away from his usual action persona to portray a principled lawyer driven by righteousness.
2. Powerful Screenwriting and Direction
The film doesn’t just narrate history—it makes you feel it. The depiction of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre is harrowing and visceral. The courtroom dialogues are razor-sharp, brimming with historical references and legal intricacies. The direction skillfully blends drama with historical realism, creating an immersive experience.
3. Emotional Impact
From the moment the massacre unfolds to the final courtroom speech, the film stirs deep emotions. The British Empire’s inhuman policies, including the infamous signs reading “Dogs and Indians Not Allowed”, are portrayed with brutal honesty. The narrative unearths uncomfortable truths, such as Indian collaborators in British service and the divide-and-rule policy that inflamed communal tensions.
4. Standout Performances
- Akshay Kumar impresses with a mature, nuanced performance as Nair.
- R. Madhavan as the opposing counsel brings both class and complexity to the courtroom drama.
- Ananya Panday shows notable growth, portraying a fierce and intelligent young assistant committed to justice.
- Simon Paisley Day plays General Dyer with chilling accuracy—calm, calculated, and cruel.
The Climax: A Scene to Remember
The courtroom climax is a cinematic punch. After losing the case and appeal, Justice Nair delivers a fiery rebuke to the British system, shouting: “Get the f*** out of my country!” The theater erupts in applause—a cathartic moment of rebellion and truth. While the outcome doesn’t offer a classic victory, the emotional payoff is powerful. Dyer is dismissed from the army and dies a few years later in disgrace.
What Could Be Better
Though the film is an emotionally charged tribute to Indian resistance, some viewers might find the portrayal of legal defeat and the eventual lack of justice disheartening. Additionally, purists might criticize the occasional dramatic liberties taken with historical facts for cinematic impact. However, these are minor concerns in a film that largely succeeds in honoring its subject.
Final Verdict
Rating: (4/5)
Kesari Chapter 2 is not just a movie—it’s a moment of reflection. It rekindles memories of India’s painful past and salutes the unsung heroes who dared to stand up against oppression. Justice Chettoor Sankaran Nair’s story is a vital piece of history that deserves to be remembered, and this film ensures it gets the spotlight it deserves.
If you’re a patriot, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who values powerful storytelling, Kesari Chapter 2 is a must-watch. It’s a tribute to moral courage in the face of tyranny—and a reminder that sometimes, standing alone against injustice is the most heroic act of all.