Released on Friday, 18th April, 2025, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh has stirred the box office and public discourse both. While the movie isn’t a direct sequel to the 2019 blockbuster movie Kesari (which depicted the Battle of Saragarhi), Kesari 2 is more of a spiritual follow-up which shifts focus to the harrowing incident of the infamous 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the landmark legal battle that challenged British colonial rule.
Here’s an in-depth look at the film’s review, cast, reception, and legacy.
Kesari Chapter 2: Overview
Title: Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh
Release Date: April 18, 2025 (timed with the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre)
Director: Karan Singh Tyagi (debutant lawyer-turned-filmmaker)
Production Houses: Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, Cape of Good Films
Runtime: 135 minutes
OTT Streaming Platform: JioHotstar (post-theatrical release; date TBA)
Historical Context:
The film dramatizes the real-life courtroom battle that took place after the massacre led by Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair (played by Akshay Kumar), a fearless lawyer who sued the British Empire to expose the truth behind the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Over 1,000 unarmed Indians were killed in 1919 where General Reginald Dyer (Simon Paisley Day) ordered his men to open fire on a peaceful gathering.
Kesari Chapter 2: Cast & Crew
The film boasts a powerhouse ensemble:
- Akshay Kumar as Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair: Kumar delivers a restrained yet impactful performance as the lawyer determined to hold the British accountable.
- R. Madhavan as Neville McKinley: The half-Indian, half-British lawyer representing the Crown. Madhavan called this his “proudest role” in interviews.
- Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill: A pivotal supporter of Nair’s legal fight. Panday’s nuanced portrayal marks a career shift from her earlier roles.
- Simon Paisley Day as General Reginald Dyer: The antagonist whose cold demeanor amplifies the film’s tension.
Behind the Scenes:
- Director’s Vision: Karan Singh Tyagi, a former lawyer, emphasized historical accuracy, tried to recreate the massacre’s setting through a replica of Jallianwala Bagh which was built in Mumbai. Scenes were also shot at IIT Roorkee, Delhi’s Red Fort, and Rewari Railway Museum.
- Soundtrack: Composer Shashwat Sachdev reimagined the protest anthem “O Shera – Teer Te Taj” and reused the iconic “Teri Mitti” track from the original Kesari beautifully.
- Source Material: Based on the book “The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat”.
- Spiritual sequel: Not a direct continuation of Kesari’s characters, but a thematic follow‑up exploring another chapter of Sikh valour
Kesari Chapter 2: Box Office Performance (A Mixed Start)
Kesari Chapter 2 is highly anticipated movie yet it faces a few hurdles:
- Day 1 Collection: ₹7–9 crore net in India, with 15–20% theater occupancy so far. The Good Friday holiday seems to have provided temporary relief.
- Advance Bookings: ₹3 crore pre-release, including blocked seats.
- Competition: Clashed with Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (Varun Dhawan’s rom-com), affecting screen availability.
Comparison to Original:
- The 2019 Kesari earned ₹207.09 crore worldwide (₹154.41 cr India net; ₹24.79 cr overseas) on an approx.₹80 cr budget which was a hit, thus setting high expectations for this sequel as well.
- Strong opening: Day 1 ₹21.06 cr, opening weekend ₹78.07 cr
- Day 1 collections crossed ₹1.12 crore by midday, for Kesari Chapter 2.
- Though, Industry analysts views Kesari Chapter 2 as a crucial for Akshay Kumar’s career revival after recent box-office slumps.
Kesari Chapter 2: Reviews & Reception
Critics’ Verdict
- India Today (3.5/5): “A humble roar for justice… Akshay’s restrained acting and Ananya’s surprising depth shine.”
- The Indian Express: “Thundering dialogues elevate the courtroom drama, but formulaic patriotism and a sluggish first half weigh it down.”
- IMDb (8.1/10): Users hailed it as a “masterpiece,” praising Akshay’s monologues and the emotional climax.
- Hindustan Times (Celeb Reviews): Vicky Kaushal and Urmila Matondkar praise it as “absolute magic,” lauding its emotional depth.
- Rotten Tomatoes (Critics): Early review notes the film “evocative at times but not revolutionary cinema” (Lifestyle Asia)
Public Reactions
- Social Media Buzz: Fans did enjoyed Akshay’s entry scene with the “O Shera” background score and called the film a “must-watch for every Indian.”
- Ananya Panday’s Praise: Viewers loved her “mature performance,” directly translates to her growth beyond youthful roles.
- Rotten Tomatoes (Audience): Users award 5/5, praising heart‑pounding action and “engaging from start to finish”.
Interesting Facts & Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- Historical Rigor: Experts have ensured the accuracy in depicting the massacre and courtroom proceedings.
- Set Construction: A replica of Jallianwala Bagh was built in Mumbai, while key scenes were shot at IIT Roorkee and Rewari Railway Museum.
- Sequel Plans: Kesari Chapter 3 was announced, the storyline would surround the Sikh warrior Hari Singh Nalwa’s legacy.
- Release Delay: The film was slated to launch earlier on March 14, 2025 but it was later postponed to avoid clashing with Akshay’s Sky Force.
Controversies & Challenges
- Akshay’s Overexposure: Critics questioned his decision to release Sky Force and Jolly LLB 3 in quick succession, risking audience fatigue.
- Piracy Leak: An HD print leaked online pre-release, potentially affecting box-office earnings.
- Political Endorsements: BJP leaders and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta hosted a special screening, called it a “cinematic ode to India’s freedom struggle.”
Industry Impact & Adaptations
- Telugu Version: Producer-actor Rana Daggubati announced a dubbed Telugu edition, calling it a “powerful, important film.”
- OTT Rights: JioHotstar acquired digital rights, though the streaming date remains undisclosed.
Also Read: Karan Singh Tyagi Net Worth (2025): Career, Earnings, and Hidden Financial Insights Unveiled
Final Take: A Film With Heart
Kesari Chapter 2 successfully blends history with mainstream cinema. While the box-office fate hangs in the balance, the film speaks highly of some key conversations about colonial accountability. As one critic aptly summarized: “It’s not a marvel, but its heart is in the right place.”
For updates, and tickets, visit Dharma Productions or check IMDb.