Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is set to bring another chapter of Indian history to the forefront with his upcoming film, Kesari Chapter 2. Following the success of Kesari (2019), which depicted the Battle of Saragarhi, the sequel delves into the untold story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. At the trailer launch event, the actor expressed his desire to continue showcasing stories of valour and sacrifice, particularly from Punjab, to challenge the colonial perspective often found in history books.
“The people of Punjab embody bravery, loyalty, and immense valor. Their stories, along with many untold chapters from across India, deserve to be shared with the world. Our history has often been narrated from a British perspective, but my aim is to bring forth the true accounts of our past,” said Kumar.
The Story Behind Kesari Chapter 2
Produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the film is based on The Case That Shook the Empire, a book by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. It narrates the true story of lawyer C Sankaran Nair, who took a stand against British atrocities in Punjab by fighting a defamation case against Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab and one of the key figures responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Akshay Kumar admitted that he had no prior knowledge of the trial before reading the book. “The book reveals so much that remains largely unknown. History books mention the firing and that General O’Dwyer halted only when the bullets ran out, but they rarely discuss the legal battle that ensued. Sankaran Nair took on the case and, remarkably, triumphed over a British judge in their own court. This was the only case in over 200 years of British rule that India won—a significant victory for us,” he said.
Kumar also shared a personal connection to the film, revealing that his father was born near Jallianwala Bagh. “My father was born right across from Jallianwala Bagh, in a street called Katra Ahluwalia, and my grandfather witnessed these events firsthand. This film was born out of deep emotion and anger, as I grew up listening to these stories from my family,” he added.
A Tribute to a Dark Chapter in History
Directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi, Kesari Chapter 2 stars R Madhavan as British lawyer Neville McKinley, Ananya Panday as young lawyer Dilreet Gill, and Akshay Kumar in the lead role. The film is scheduled for release on April 18, aligning with the anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Karan Johar emphasized the historical significance of the film, stating, “The Jallianwala Bagh massacre remains one of history’s darkest chapters. We are releasing this film in the same month as a tribute to the lives lost. Through the courageous fight of Sankaran Nair, this movie serves as a powerful cinematic demand for an apology from the British Empire.”
Ananya Panday, who plays the role of a female lawyer in a male-dominated courtroom, shared her experience of preparing for the role. “Every film I take on carries a part of me. For this role, I tapped into the raw nervous energy of a young lawyer taking on a historic case. Additionally, I had to learn Punjabi to bring authenticity to the character,” she said. Panday admitted that her knowledge of the massacre was limited before working on the film.
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“I had heard partition stories from my grandmother, but during the narration, I kept asking, ‘Did this really happen?’ It was shocking to discover how much of our history remains untold.”
R Madhavan, who portrays the British lawyer, called the Jallianwala Bagh massacre a genocide and said he was drawn to the story’s truth. “I don’t think about whether a role is positive or negative. I just want to tell the truth, even if it’s harsh,” he stated.
A Film Rooted in History and Justice
Written by Karan Singh Tyagi and Amritpal Singh Bindra, Kesari Chapter 2 is presented by Dharma Productions, Cape of Good Films, and Leo Media Collective. With its powerful narrative and historical significance, the film aims to educate audiences and honor the resilience of those who fought for justice.
As Akshay Kumar continues his mission to bring India’s untold stories of courage to the silver screen, Kesari Chapter 2 promises to be a gripping retelling of a defining moment in India’s fight against colonial rule.
