Kesari Chapter 2

About The Movie:

The Untold Story of C Sankaran Nair is an Indian biographical film starring Akshay Kumar. The movie also features Ananya Panday, Madhavan, and Mark Bennington in pivotal roles. Inspired by the annals of history, this is the riveting tale of Sankaran Nair, a fearless and charismatic barrister who waged an epic legal battle against the mighty British Empire, exposing to the world the brutal truth behind the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

Critics Review :Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh arrives with weighty expectations, picking up the mantle from its acclaimed predecessor. Helmed by director Karan Singh Tyagi, this historical legal drama dives deep into one of India’s darkest chapters—the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, the film attempts to unravel the political and moral intricacies surrounding this harrowing event.

Plot Insight:
Set in colonial India, the film traces the legal crusade of Shankaran Nair (Akshay Kumar), a resolute Indian lawyer who dares to challenge the might of the British Empire by seeking justice for the brutal killings at Jallianwala Bagh. Alongside him stands the determined Dilreet Gill (Ananya Panday), while R. Madhavan portrays Neville McKinley, a composed yet cunning British lawyer defending General Dyer’s actions. The narrative oscillates between courtroom confrontations and powerful flashbacks, steadily revealing the layers of political manipulation and personal sacrifice.

What Works:
Director Tyagi deserves credit for opting to narrate a well-known tragedy through an unexpected yet effective courtroom lens. The emotional gravity of the massacre is not diluted—instead, it's sharpened by sharp dialogues and tense legal exchanges.Akshay Kumar delivers a commanding performance as Nair, skillfully balancing his character’s anger and restraint. His monologues, especially during cross-examinations, are among the film’s standout moments. Ananya Panday surprises with a sincere and restrained portrayal that complements Kumar’s intensity, while Madhavan brings quiet menace and charisma to his role, even if underutilized in parts.The production design, costumes, and sound design work cohesively to recreate the era. The courtroom set in particular feels authentic, aiding immersion. Sashwat Sachdev’s score adds weight to emotional and revelatory moments without overwhelming them.

Room for Improvement:
While the story is potent, the screenplay does take its time building momentum. The film's opening act lingers longer than necessary, which might test the patience of some viewers. Moreover, Madhavan’s character, though pivotal, is left somewhat underexplored during key confrontations—a missed opportunity in an otherwise layered script.A slightly more dynamic climax could’ve elevated the film’s emotional payoff. And tighter editing could’ve addressed the pacing dips and heightened tension where needed.

Technical Merits:
Visually, the film is rich and atmospheric, thanks to thoughtful cinematography that uses light and shadow to accentuate the mood. The costume and set design convincingly pull us into pre-independence India. The background score punctuates dramatic beats effectively, though subtlety might have served better in a few places. Editing, while generally competent, does falter in pacing, especially during the film’s first half.

Final Thoughts:
Kesari Chapter 2 is a sincere and well-acted historical drama that chooses to reflect on one of India’s most painful events with dignity and depth. Despite minor flaws in pacing and character development, the film's powerful performances and resonant themes make it a worthy watch—especially for those drawn to stories of resistance, justice, and truth.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Cast:

Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, Madhavan, Mark Bennington

Director:

Karan Singh Tyagi