Apr 19, 2025 01:44 PM
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Watching Kesari Chapter 2 in the theatre was an experience that stayed with me long after the credits rolled. Directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi, this highly anticipated film released yesterday, and brings together a stellar cast—Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday. It is based upon the true legal battle between barrister C. Sankaran Nair, who boldly challenged the British Raj, following the tragic events of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film is a gripping drama inside the courtroom and the very emotional and riveting story-telling made everyone glued to their seat! I believe that you need great acting to make a historical drama successful, and everybody has played their part well.
The film centers around Sir C. Sankaran Nair, portrayed by Akshay Kumar, a fearless lawyer who takes on the British Empire in a legal battle to seek justice for the victims of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.R. Madhavan portrays Neville McKinley, the opposing lawyer acting on behalf of the British Crown, as a worthy opposing adversary. Ananya Panday appears as a young, budding lawyer who supports Nair’s cause, and adds an additional layer to the courtroom drama. Patriotism and bravery was rife throughout the film. The director has handled a sensitive topic with great accuracy and emotional flair.
One of the most striking aspects of Kesari Chapter 2 is how it brings to light a lesser-known but crucial part of India’s freedom struggle. The film is based on the book- The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu and Pushpa Palat. Lot of people know what happened before and during the massacre, but very few know who fought for the victims’ justice. The courtroom battles were as intense as a battlefield. The cinematography is excellent, the dialogues well-written, and a worthy climax to end the movie. Even the background score is impressive, just like the first Kesari movie.
The standout elements of this movie are the performances. Akshay Kumar delivers one of his best performances in recent years, portraying Sankaran Nair with sincerity and strength. R. Madhavan as the antagonist is perfect. The courtroom sequences are gripping and well-written. The use of music will definitely give you goosebumps. However, I have my fair share of complaints. The second half introduces too many subplots which weren’t necessary. While Kesari 2 was mostly fast-paced, a few scenes feel a bit stretched. Also, a majority of the focus was inside the courtroom. A better visualization of actual people living their lives would have been better.
Kesari Chapter 2 is a cinematic gem that combines history, patriotism, and powerful performances. Watching this courtroom drama in the theatres was both emotional and inspiring. Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of Sankaran Nair is exceptional and deserves all the praise it has received. Though it has minor flaws in pacing and subplots, it does not diminish the impact the film will have on you once you leave the theatres. Kesari Chapter 2 is the film to watch with your family.
