April 19, 2025: Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh promises an emotional rollercoaster through the tragic events of 1919, but the film’s focus on spectacle often drowns out the historical truths. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, this highly anticipated sequel to Kesari boldly ventures into uncharted territory by reimagining India’s fight for justice after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The result? A film that tugs at the heartstrings but trips over its own historical liberties.
Kesari Chapter 2: Justice Served, But History Curved
The film kicks off with a harrowing retelling of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, one of the darkest chapters in Indian history. Akshay Kumar stars as Shankaran Nair, an impassioned Indian lawyer who seeks to hold General Dyer accountable for the massacre’s atrocities. Alongside him is the spirited Dilreet Gill (Ananya Panday), who helps unravel the legal battle against the British tyrant. British lawyer Neville McKinley (R. Madhavan) defends Dyer’s brutal actions, setting the stage for a high-stakes courtroom drama.
While the legal drama and emotional stakes are intriguing, Kesari Chapter 2 fails to stay grounded in historical reality. Director Tyagi mixes fact and fiction in a way that feels more like a re-imagined legend than a factual recounting of events. The trial, a fictional creation, may entertain, but it leaves viewers questioning the integrity of the narrative.
Akshay Kumar, Madhavan deliver their best : A Thrill to Watch, But Facts We Can’t Catch
Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of Shankaran Nair is undeniably powerful. His commanding presence brings an intense gravitas to the courtroom sequences, and his dedication to justice shines through. Kumar elevates the film with his heartfelt performance, making every scene he’s in feel like a battle for India’s dignity. However, no matter how strong his performance is, it can’t completely overcome the film’s penchant for bending history.
R. Madhavan’s portrayal of Neville McKinley adds depth to the film, but his character is often sidelined during critical moments. Despite being a seasoned actor, Madhavan’s screen time is limited, and his character lacks the necessary emotional punch to truly impact the viewer. Ananya Panday, though adequate in her role, is overshadowed by her more seasoned co-stars, and her character never fully takes flight.
Historical Inaccuracy at the Expense of Drama
The most significant drawback of Kesari Chapter 2 is its treatment of history. The film takes liberties with actual events, fabricating key details and introducing fictional characters that never existed. The courtroom trial itself is a construct, and while it adds drama, it detracts from the film’s potential to tell a truthful story about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
This fusion of fact and fiction is a double-edged sword. While it makes for an engaging, if dramatic, narrative, it also risks misleading viewers about the true events. The historical inaccuracies are hard to ignore, especially for those familiar with the real story of Jallianwala Bagh.
Cinematic Flourishes with a Distorted Truth
Cinematically, Kesari Chapter 2 shines. The film’s set design, cinematography, and period costumes bring 1919 to life in a visually stunning way. The court scenes are filmed with tension, and the emotional beats are complemented by a stirring soundtrack by Sashwat Sachdev. These elements elevate the viewing experience, but they also mask the film’s flaws, leaving the audience more absorbed in the spectacle than the truth.
That being said, the film drags at times, especially in the first half. The pacing struggles to find its rhythm, and the slow buildup detracts from the intensity of the story. The climax, though emotionally charged, doesn’t feel as satisfying as it could have been, leaving an underwhelming aftertaste.
Kesari Chapter 2 Short Review: A Well-Intentioned Sequel That Falls Short
Kesari Chapter 2 is a film filled with potential—an intense courtroom drama wrapped around one of India’s most painful historical events. Akshay Kumar delivers an exceptional performance, and the film’s cinematic qualities keep you invested. However, its blatant disregard for historical accuracy and its sometimes sluggish pacing prevent it from being the masterpiece it aspires to be.
While it offers an engaging, emotionally charged viewing experience, history buffs and those looking for an authentic retelling may find themselves disappointed. For everyone else, the film serves as a gripping, if flawed, exploration of a tragic chapter in India’s past, leaving audiences torn between admiration for its ambition and frustration over its departures from the truth.
