Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is a historical courtroom drama film directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films. A spiritual sequel to Kesari (2019), the plot is based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, centred around C. Sankaran Nair and the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It was released on 18 April 2025, marking the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Star Cast:
Akshay Kumar as Sir C Sankaran Nair
R. Madhavan as Neville McKinley
Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill
Regina Cassandra as Parvathy Nair
Simon Paisley Day as General Reginald Dyer
Alexx O’Nell as Lord Chelmsford
Amit Sial as Tirath Singh
Mark Bennington as Michael O’Dwyer
Sammy Jonas Heaney as Harold Laski
Steven Hartley as Judge McArdie
Krish Rao as Pargat Singh
Rohan Verma as Jaan Nisar
Alexandra Moloney as Martha Stevens
Jaipreet Singh as Kirpal Singh
Luke Kenny as Appeal court judge
Masaba Gupta in a song
MOVIE REVIEW: A Compelling Courtroom Drama That Illuminates a Dark Chapter of Indian History. Debutant director Karan Singh Tyagi’s Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is not just a film, it’s a powerful reminder of a pivotal moment in India’s freedom struggle that has long deserved its moment in the cinematic spotlight. Centered around the horrific events of April 13, 1919, and the fearless legal crusade of C. Sankaran Nair against the British Empire.
The story begins with the haunting reenactment of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre where thousands of innocent protesters gunned down under the cold command of General Dyer. It’s a chilling opener, and though the execution lacks the gut-wrenching emotional punch seen in films like Sardar Udham, it still sets a disturbing tone that lingers. But Kesari Chapter 2 is not merely a retelling of the massacre. It shifts gears into a legal battlefield where justice is sought, not with guns or slogans, but with arguments, facts, and the indomitable spirit of one man — Sankaran Nair.
The first act does drag a bit with expository buildup, but once the legal war begins, the screenplay finds its rhythm. The courtroom drama that shines in its second half. The narrative, while sincere, could’ve benefited from a few more high-voltage moments that compel the audience to clap and cheer, especially considering the magnitude of the subject matter. The courtroom sequences, thankfully, are gripping and do justice to the high stakes involved. Background Score is effective. A more haunting score during the massacre sequence could have elevated the impact.
Akshay Kumar delivers effective performances. His portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair is grounded and powerful, especially during courtroom sequences. R Madhavan, entering the scene late, adds a strong presence, particularly during intense confrontations. Ananya Pandey surprises with a decent performance. She isn’t extraordinary, but she holds her own and avoids being overshadowed. Amit Sial continues his streak of stealing scenes. Krish Rao is a standout. Regina Cassandra is unfortunately underutilized. Simon Paisley Day fits the role of General Dyer like a glove and delivers one of the film’s best performances.
Kesari Chapter 2 is a brave and necessary film that doesn’t just recount history—it demands that we confront it. Despite its minor narrative missteps and a few characters that could’ve been fleshed out better, it remains a worthy tribute to the courage of C. Sankaran Nair and a sobering retelling of one of India’s darkest days. It deserves a wider audience, and the ‘A’ certification feels unnecessarily limiting for a film that educates, inspires, and honors those who fought back with intellect and integrity.
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh Movie Rating:
Direction 3.5/5
Acting 3.5/5
Music 3/5
Story 4/5
Screenplay 3.5/5
Overall Hit ya Flop Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars (Very Good)
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