By Business Connect Magazine | April 17, 2025
Akshay Kumar’s latest cinematic venture, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, has hit theaters on April 18, 2025, and is already creating waves across India. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films, this historical courtroom drama is a spiritual sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Kesari. The film, starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, delves into the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, spotlighting the fearless legal battle led by lawyer C. Sankaran Nair against the British Empire.
Akshay Kumar delivers what many are calling his career-best performance as C. Sankaran Nair, a nationalist lawyer who challenged the British Crown to expose the brutal truths of the massacre. Critics and fans alike have praised his intense portrayal, with trade analyst Taran Adarsh giving the film a 4-star rating, calling it “outstanding” and a “powerful, hard-hitting narrative” that honors India’s freedom struggle. Social media is abuzz with reviews, with netizens hailing the film as a “cinematic masterpiece” and Kumar’s acting as “National Award-worthy.” Fans at screenings in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru were moved to tears, chanting “Inquilab Zindabad” and “Khiladiyo Ka Khiladi” in theaters.
R. Madhavan shines as Neville McKinley, the British lawyer opposing Nair, delivering a nuanced performance that complements Kumar’s intensity. Ananya Panday surprises as Dilreet Gill, earning praise for her subtle yet impactful role. The film’s gripping courtroom sequences, emotional depth, and stellar background music have been highlighted as major strengths. However, some X users have criticized the film’s pacing, with one review calling it “boring” and Kumar’s casting as a South Indian lawyer “miscast.”
With Rs. 3 crore in advance bookings and over 50,000 tickets sold, Kesari Chapter 2 is off to a strong start, projecting a Rs. 9 crore opening day at the box office. Celebrities like Vicky Kaushal, Ajay Devgn, and Rana Daggubati have lauded the film, with Kaushal calling it “absolute magic” and Daggubati pushing for a Telugu release. Backed by the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu and Pushpa Palat, the film is a stirring tribute to India’s unsung heroes.
Kesari Chapter 2 is a must-watch for its patriotic fervor and stellar performances, making it a landmark in Indian cinema. Catch it in cinemas now!
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