Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is an Indian Hindi-language historical courtroom drama, a spiritual sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Kesari. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and starring Akshay Kumar, this film dives into the historic Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Here’s a comprehensive guide to its release, cast, reviews, and more.
Release Date and Schedule
Theatrical Release: Kesari Chapter 2 is released worldwide on April 18, 2025, aligning with Good Friday and the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Original Plan: Initially slated for March 14, 2025, the release was postponed to accommodate Dhadak 2, another Dharma Productions film, during the Holi weekend.
Advance Bookings: Ticket bookings are expected to open by April 15, 2025, with showtimes starting from morning screenings.
Plot and Historical Context
The film centers on C. Sankaran Nair, a renowned lawyer and former Indian National Congress President, who challenged the British Raj to reveal the truth behind the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab. This tragic event saw British troops fire on an unarmed crowd of over 15,000 Indians, marking a turning point in India’s freedom struggle.
Based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, Kesari Chapter 2 is a thematic sequel to Kesari (2019), which depicted the 1897 Battle of Saragarhi. While not a direct continuation, it carries forward the patriotic fervor through a gripping courtroom narrative.
Cast and Crew
- Lead Actors:
- Akshay Kumar as Advocate C. Sankaran Nair
- R. Madhavan as Advocate Neville McKinley
- Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill
- Supporting cast: Sammy Jonas Heaney and others
- Director: Karan Singh Tyagi (debut director)
- Writers: Karan Singh Tyagi, Amritpal Singh Bindra, Akshat Ghildial, Sumit Saxena
- Producers: Dharma Productions (Karan Johar, Hiroo Johar, Apoorva Mehta), Cape of Good Films (Akshay Kumar, Aruna Bhatia), Leo Media Collective (Anand Tiwari, Amritpal Singh Bindra), Adar Poonawalla
- Music: Shashwat Sachdev, with contributions from B Praak and Sukhwinder Singh. Key singles:
- “O Shera – Teer Te Taj” (released April 12, 2025)
- “Kithe Gaya Tu Saaiyaan” (released April 14, 2025)
Trailer and Promotions
The trailer, released on April 3, 2025 in Delhi, trended at #1 on YouTube within hours, showcasing the film’s intense courtroom drama. Promotional highlights include:
click here to watch the Trailer
- Baisakhi Visit: On April 13, 2025, Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday paid tribute at Jallianwala Bagh and visited the Golden Temple.
- Delhi Screening: Attended by ministers like Hardeep Singh Puri and Rekha Gupta, who praised its patriotic narrative.
- CBFC Certification: Received an ‘A’ (Adults Only) rating on April 9, 2025, with a runtime of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 6 seconds.
Positive Reviews and Early Buzz
Early screenings have generated strong praise for Kesari Chapter 2:
- Hardeep Singh Puri: Called it a “powerful, deeply moving cinematic ode” and a “must-watch.”
- Rekha Gupta: Praised its “spirit of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice.”
- Rahul Sharma: Deemed it “deserving of a National Award.”
- Charu Pragya: Tweeted, “Halfway through and I didn’t even blink! INCREDIBLE!”
- Rana Daggubati: Described it as an “incredible historical courtroom drama.”
Fans on social media lauded Akshay Kumar’s “finest” performance and R. Madhavan’s nuanced role, with the film earning 4/5 stars for its emotional depth and patriotic scenes.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the praise, some critiques highlight:
- Promotion Issues: Limited marketing and low advance bookings have sparked concerns about its box office potential.
- Mixed Reviews: Some critics called the screenplay “below average” and questioned Akshay Kumar’s casting.
- Niche Genre: The courtroom drama format may struggle to attract mass audiences outside urban centers.
Conclusion: Should You Watch Kesari Chapter 2?
Kesari Chapter 2 promises to be a polarizing yet impactful film, with early reviews praising its emotional storytelling and patriotic resonance. Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan’s performances, combined with its historical significance, make it a compelling watch for fans of patriotic dramas. However, concerns about promotion and execution suggest caution for those skeptical of Dharma Productions’ recent track record.
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