Why Did Akshay Kumar Break Down While Explaining Use of Offensive Word in Kesari 2 Trailer?
The controversy erupted shortly after the trailer dropped, with some viewers questioning the inclusion of the English expletive in a film rooted in historical and patriotic themes. At the event, a journalist pressed Akshay on what prompted him to use such language. In response, the actor delivered an impassioned explanation, his voice cracking as he spoke.
“Do you think it feels good to hear someone call you a slave?” Akshay said, referencing a dialogue in the film where Indian characters are demeaned by colonial oppressors. “That’s the real insult—being called a slave, being treated as less than human. My reaction in the trailer, that phrase, it’s a response to that pain. I’d rather someone shoot me than strip me of my dignity.”
Sources at the event noted that Akshay paused briefly to compose himself, his eyes welling up as he reflected on the emotional weight of the scene. The actor, known for his disciplined persona and patriotic roles, emphasized that the use of the word was not gratuitous but tied to the raw intensity of the moment depicted in Kesari: Chapter 2, a sequel to the 2019 hit Kesari, which chronicled the heroic Battle of Saragarhi.
The trailer, launched earlier this week, has already garnered millions of views, with the disputed line drawing both praise and criticism. While some fans lauded Akshay’s unfiltered portrayal of defiance, others felt the language clashed with the film’s cultural tone. Addressing this divide, Akshay clarified that the story demanded authenticity in its emotional highs and lows.
“There’s a bigger insult in those dialogues than any word I could say,” he added, pointing to the historical subjugation the film seeks to portray. “This isn’t about shock value—it’s about feeling what our people went through.”
Industry insiders suggest Akshay’s emotional response may also stem from his personal investment in the project. Having co-produced the original Kesari, the actor has long championed stories of resilience and national pride. With Kesari: Chapter 2 set to release later this year, the trailer has already ignited debates about artistic freedom, language in cinema, and the balance between historical reverence and modern expression.
As the event concluded, Akshay regained his composure, thanking the audience for their support and urging them to watch the film with an open mind. “This is a story of courage, not just words,” he said, leaving the stage to a round of applause.
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