Kesari Chapter 2 Movie Review; Akshay Kumar-R Madhavan Shine In A Gripping Courtroom Drama, Ananya Panday Gives A Mature Performance
Rating: 3.5/5
Cast: Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, Ananya Panday
Director: Karan Singh Tyagi
Storyline:
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh dives deep into one of the darkest chapters of India’s colonial past. The film opens with the horrifying events of April 13, 1919, when thousands of unarmed civilians gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar and were mercilessly gunned down on orders from General Dyer. In the aftermath, the British government tries to cover up the massacre by branding the protestors as armed rebels, justifying the bloodshed.
Enter C. Sankaran Nair, played by Akshay Kumar, once a loyal servant of the British Crown and now a fearless barrister determined to expose the truth. Driven by a deep sense of justice, Nair takes on a bold legal battle, dragging General Dyer and the British Empire into court for genocide.
Joining him is Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill, his determined and sharp-witted co-counsel who refuses to back down. On the opposing side stands R Madhavan as Neville McKinley, a cold and calculating legal mind who will do whatever it takes to protect the Crown’s narrative. What follows is a high-stakes courtroom drama that pits courage against cruelty and truth against tyranny.
(Also Read: Akshay Kumar Kesari Chapter 2: Who Is C. Sankaran Nair?)
Kesari Chapter 2 Movie Review:
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is a powerful retelling of a dark moment in India’s past, delivered with sharp storytelling, stirring performances, and zero unnecessary fluff. It manages to be both moving and gripping, all while staying clear of melodrama.
At the heart of the film is Akshay Kumar, in a role that reminds us exactly why he’s still one of the most dependable names in the industry. As C. Sankaran Nair, India’s top barrister who dares to sue the British Crown, Akshay delivers a measured and deeply compelling performance. There’s no loud chest-thumping or overly dramatic courtroom yelling here. Instead, Akshay plays Nair with a quiet intensity, razor-sharp wit, and emotional depth. His chemistry with a rebel’s young son adds a tender layer to the otherwise heavy narrative and gives the first half some truly moving moments.
The film shifts gears in the second half and transforms into a tightly-paced courtroom drama that keeps you hooked till the end. The courtroom scenes are never overdone. There’s no preachiness, no forced monologues, just clever arguments and hard-hitting dialogues that land with real impact.
Ananya Panday surprises in the best way possible. Leaving behind her bubbly, light-hearted image, she steps into the role of Dilreet Gill with surprising confidence and grace. As Sankaran’s co-counsel, she holds her ground, brings calm strength to her scenes, and shows impressive growth as an actor. It’s easily one of her most mature and grounded performances to date.
R Madhavan plays Neville McKinley, the Crown’s lead counsel and Sankaran’s sharp rival in court. He brings just the right amount of arrogance and composure to the role, making him the perfect antagonist. The courtroom face-offs between Madhavan and Akshay are electric. There’s a real sense of tension and strategy in their exchanges, and the energy between them drives much of the second half.
The music in the film deserves a mention too. Subtle and stirring, it beautifully supports the emotional beats of the story. Whether it’s the pain of the massacre or the quiet strength of Sankaran and Dilreet, the score helps amplify the mood without ever overpowering it.
Overall, Kesari Chapter 2 stands tall as a hard-hitting, honest, emotionally powerful film on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This one is important and a must-watch at the theatres!
(Also Read: Bollywood Movies Releasing In April 2025: Kesari Chapter 2 & More)
