Introduction: A Sequel That Aims High, But Lands Flat
So here we are with Kesari Chapter 2 , the much-anticipated follow-up to the original Kesari and this time, it’s not about the battlefield, but the courtroom. Directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi, this installment dives into the intense legal aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre , a story that screams for cinematic justice. With big names like Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan on board, expectations were sky-high.
But does it deliver? Well, lets just say the film tries& really hard. And sometimes, trying isnt enough.
The Premise: A Courtroom Drama with a Heavyweight Backdrop
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh kicks off with one of the darkest days in Indian historythe Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. What follows is a legal crusade led by Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, played by Akshay Kumar, as he attempts to hold General Reginald Dyer accountable for the bloodshed. This isnt just any courtroom battleits a clash between colonial cruelty and Indian resilience.
However, instead of embracing the emotional depth and cultural complexity of its story, the film often falls into Bollywood tropes that dilute its impact.
Akshay Kumar: All Heart, But Wrong Fit
Lets talk about the elephant in the courtroomAkshay Kumar. No doubt, hes got the star power, and he brings a certain gravity to the role. But is he believable as a Malayali lawyer-statesman, fluent in classical dance and martial arts? Not quite.
You can feel him giving it his all, but theres a disconnect between the character’s roots and Akshay’s portrayal. Its like putting a square peg in a round holeno matter how hard you push, it wont quite fit.
R. Madhavan Steals the Second Half
Enter R. Madhavan, who plays Neville McKinley, a worn-out, alcoholic British advocate pulled out of retirement to defend the Raj. He arrives just before the intermission and breathes much-needed life into the narrative. His character isnt overly complex, but Madhavan plays it with finesse and conviction, making him a standout presence in the second half.
Ananya Panday Surprises, But Is Underused
Surprised to see Ananya Panday in a period courtroom drama? Same here. She plays Dilreet Gill, a young rookie lawyer inspired by Nair. Her role actually has some meat, and she pulls it off reasonably well. But like many things in Kesari Chapter 2, her character is underwritten and ends up being more of a footnote than a force.
The Real Problem: Surface-Level Storytelling
Heres where things really fall apart. Despite tackling such a crucial chapter of history, the film doesnt dig deep. The screenplay glosses over the larger freedom struggle, skimming past Nairs contributions to the Indian National Congress, his legal genius, and the ideological battles he fought.
Instead, we get a heavily dramatized courtroom showdown that feels more Bollywood than British Raj. Even scenes that should be powerfullike Nair confronting a Dogs and Indians not allowed signfeel formulaic.
Historical Accuracy? Lets Just Say Its Bollywood-ized
One of the biggest letdowns is the lack of historical nuance. The real Sankaran Nair was a towering figure in Indias freedom movement, but the film barely scratches the surface of his legacy. It misses opportunities to explore the Rowlatt Act protests, the complex dynamics in Punjab, and Nair’s legal brilliance.
Instead, it chooses to dramatize fictional confrontations and predictable plot twists, making the courtroom feel more like a stage for heroism than a battleground for truth.
There Are Moments That Shine
To be fair, there are glimpses of greatness. The early scenes showing a young Pargat Singh (Krish Rao), a survivor of the massacre, trying to make his voice heard, are moving. His interactions with Nair provide some much-needed tension and emotional weight.
Also, the film tries to touch upon themes like media suppression, narrative manipulation, and legal misusewhich resonate strongly in todays world. But sadly, these references are fleeting, more like whispers than statements.
Direction and Screenplay: A Missed Opportunity
Director Karan Singh Tyagi has ambition, no doubt. But ambition alone doesnt make a film work. The screenplay, co-written by Amritpal Singh Bindra, is too safe, too surface-level. It lacks the grit and complexity that a subject like this demands.
Imagine having the chance to tell the story of a man who sued the British Empire and stood up for India at a time when few dared toand then reducing it to courtroom theatrics.
Performance Round-Up: Who Nailed It, Who Missed
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Akshay Kumar: Passionate, but miscast.
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R. Madhavan: Underutilized brilliance.
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Ananya Panday: Surprisingly competent, but sidelined.
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Simon Paisley Day & Mark Bennington: Struggle with long Hindi lines and one-dimensional characters.
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Amit Sial as Tirath Singh: Present in many scenes, but never fully developed.
Kesari Chapter Box Office Collection: Whats the Buzz?
Lets talk numbers, because thats always part of the equation. The Kesari Chapter Box Office Collection has seen a decent opening due to Akshay Kumars loyal fanbase. However, mixed reviews and word-of-mouth are likely to affect its long-term performance. Compared to the first Kesari, which was a box office hit, the sequel may struggle to match those heights.
Its too early to write it off completely, but lets just say it needs more than courtroom drama to stay in the race.
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Conclusion
Kesari Chapter 2 had all the ingredients for a powerful historical dramaa compelling real-life story, a strong cast, and a backdrop thats rich with emotion and meaning. But instead of digging deep, it skims the surface.
Akshay Kumar gives it everything hes got, but he cant carry the film on his own. Madhavan, Panday, and young Krish Rao all show sparks, but the writing lets them down. And while the Kesari Chapter Box Office Collection might look good for now, it wont hold unless the film resonates deeply with viewerswhich it just doesnt quite manage to do.
