After a series of box office disappointments, Akshay Kumar is back with an authoritative presence in Kesari Chapter 2, a biopic and courtroom drama movie delving into the lesser-known events following the notorious Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film is based on Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat’s book The Case That Shook The Empire and chronicles the battle for justice started by lawyer and former Indian National Congress President C Sankaran Nair.
The movie, released on April 18, 2025, is an account of courage and resilience under British colonialism. In spite of the narrative’s every now and then hyperbole, Kesari Chapter 2 manages to provide a genuine and patriotic drama, highlighted by robust acting and an emotional courtroom finish.
Plot Overview: A Battle for Justice After Jallianwala Bagh
The incidents of Chapter 2 of the novel Kesari occur in the background of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, when General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to fire on a peaceful protest meeting held in Amritsar. Thousands of innocent men were killed, and the massacre is considered one of the darkest pages in British colonial history. The tragedy leads to a bitter struggle for justice, which becomes the essence of this film.
The British government, in an effort to stifle the growing outrage of the masses, conduct a fake inquiry into the massacre. While they award a paltry sum of Rs 25 as compensation to the victims’ relatives, the truth gets buried beneath the mountains of colonial propaganda. Enter C Sankaran Nair, played by Akshay Kumar, an attorney who is determined to seek justice, though he is surrounded by individuals who laugh at the chance of making the British answerable. Sankaran’s search for the truth lies at the core of the movie as he challenges the mighty British empire in a game of intellect in court.
Performances: Akshay Kumar and the Strong Supporting Cast Shine
Akshay Kumar brings sincerity and depth to the role of C Sankaran Nair, even though his performance starts on a fairly predictable note. As the movie progresses, however, he turns into a resolute and passionate character, and his intense performance of a man fighting for justice despite all odds captures the audience’s attention. Kumar excels in the final scenes of the courtroom, when his angry standoff with the British dominates the emotional pulse of the film.
Ananya Panday, an important protagonist in the narrative, is not dwarfed by the film, both by her confidence, which is on par with the gravity of the narrative. Her role is not as large as Kumar’s, but she adds gravity to the emotional pull of the film.
Madhavan plays Neville McKiney, half-Indian, half-British defence lawyer who speaks for the British legal system. Madhavan’s understated act as McKiney gives depth to the film, balancing patriotism with a lawyer’s responsibility. His confrontation with Akshay Kumar in the courtroom sets the level of tension in the film higher, making the final showdown worth recalling.
The remaining cast, who play their parts as British authorities, also excel, bringing the repressive element of colonial rule to life. Their acting puts them apart from the passionate battle for justice led by Sankaran Nair.
Direction and Cinematography: Mixed Bag
Karan Singh Tyagi is effective in the direction, especially in the establishment of an intense tone, which captures the importance of historic events. The film opens with high emotions and a gory presentation of the gruesome Jallianwala Bagh massacre to capture the viewers’ imagination from the start. The tempo of the movie suffers during the first half, though, and this feels slightly slack and filled with over-the-top scenes put together to exhibit Sankaran Nair’s personality and patriotism.
The second half rockets off with speed, especially the courtroom scenes. The clash between Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan gives the emotional depth which is so urgently required, covering up for the sluggishness of the film at the start. Although the climax brings everything together in a muscular manner, there is an unmistakable feeling of incompleteness that cannot be avoided, but it is obvious that this has been done in order to force the audience into a strong emotional reaction.
Cinematography is decent, with some excellent shots that reflect the emotional intensity of the era adequately. The settings of the era, including the British colonial look, are excellent and contribute to the authenticity of the film.
Positives: A Heartfelt Story of Courage and Determination
- Hard-Hitting Performances: Akshay Kumar’s slow transformation as a character is riveting, and Madhavan’s portrayal of McKiney adds depth to the performance.
- Second Half: The pace of the movie picks up as it arrives at the court, with suspense building to the final showdown.
- Climax: The intellectual battle in the court between Akshay and Madhavan is the highlight of the movie, giving the story a fulfilling conclusion.
Negatives: A Few Flaws in Execution
- Exaggerated Patriotism: There are some over-the-top scenes that make the Sankaran Nair character look too hero-like at some points, something that could have been done without.
- Slow First Half: The movie grapples with the problem of pacing in the first half, making one restless as the build-up happens.
- Poor Songs/Background Score: The film lacks impactful music that could have elevated its emotional scenes, and the background score does not quite hit the correct chord in key scenes.
Kesari Chapter 2 Movie Review and Verdict
Kesari Chapter 2 is a sincere and heartfelt patriotic drama about the battle for justice following the gruesome Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Even if the film has its flaws—chiefly its pacing and a few exaggerations—the performances, especially by Akshay Kumar, carry the film through its doldrums. The second half of the film, with its nail-biting courtroom drama, will keep audiences engaged and moved by the determination of one man to take on the British Empire.
Overall, Kesari Chapter 2 is a passable made biopic that succeeds in capturing a piece of history that still resonates today. It is not a piece of cinematic magic, but it is certainly a must-watch for its patriotism and performances, particularly from Akshay Kumar. Whether you enjoy courtroom dramas or are passionate about India’s struggle for justice, Kesari Chapter 2 is a film you should watch.
Rating: 3/5
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