‘Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh’, directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Karan Johar, aims to bring the brutal truth of that fateful day to the silver screen. With Akshay Kumar leading the charge as Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, the film attempts to explore the aftermath of the massacre, the court battle that ensued, and the courage it took to stand up against the mighty British Empire. But does it deliver? Let’s break it down.
Kesari Chapter 2 Bollywood Movie Review
Contents
Kesari Chapter 2 Bollywood Movie Plot Summary:
The film follows Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, a fiery and fearless barrister who challenges the British Empire in court following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. When the empire attempts to cover up the incident and suppress any dissent, Nair takes it upon himself to fight for justice. He faces tremendous opposition, personal threats, and professional sabotage—but refuses to back down.
Parallel narratives unfold: the horrifying events of April 13, 1919; the courtroom drama where the empire is put on trial; and the personal turmoil of Nair and those around him. It is a tale of resilience, courage, and truth.
Kesari Chapter 2 Bollywood Movie Cast & Characters:
- Akshay Kumar as Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair – a bold and determined legal icon.
- R. Madhavan as Adv. Neville McKinley – a sharp British lawyer with conflicting morals.
- Simon Paisley Day as General Reginald Dyer – the cold-blooded executioner of the massacre.
- Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gil – a fictional character offering a fresh narrative perspective.
- Regina Cassandra as Parvathy Nair – a supportive but emotionally tormented wife.
- Krish Rao as Pargat Singh – a survivor whose portrayal adds emotional depth.
Kesari Chapter 2 Bollywood Movie Review:
Performances
- Akshay Kumar is in blazing form. His performance as Sankaran Nair is arguably one of his finest in recent years. Especially the bar council climax scene, where he explodes with emotion, is sure to give goosebumps.
- R. Madhavan complements him well. Despite being slightly loud in his first courtroom scene, he finds his rhythm quickly and delivers a balanced performance.
- Ananya Panday surprises the audience with a sincere and restrained performance.
- Simon Paisley Day is chilling as General Dyer—his portrayal evokes disgust and fear.
- Krish Rao delivers a breakout performance as Pargat Singh, effectively capturing innocence and trauma.
Kesari Chapter 2 Bollywood Movie Technical Aspects:
- Direction by Karan Singh Tyagi is ambitious and largely successful. He handles a sensitive subject with a mix of intensity and drama.
- Writing by Amritpal Singh Bindra and Tyagi takes cinematic liberties but creates a gripping narrative.
- Dialogues by Sumit Saxena are powerful and resonate with patriotic fervor, earning spontaneous applause in theatres.
- Cinematography by Debojeet Ray is evocative. However, some scenes carry a Western ‘Sherlockian’ aesthetic that feels out of place for colonial India.
- Editing by Nitin Baid ensures the pace is tight and engaging.
- Music by Shashwat Sachdev, along with Kavita Seth and Kanishk Seth, is emotionally rich. The background score enhances the impact of dramatic moments.
Final Verdict:
‘Kesari Chapter 2’ is a brave attempt to retell one of India’s darkest chapters. Despite some dramatized elements and stylized choices, the film succeeds in evoking strong emotions and raising important questions. With powerhouse performances, especially from Akshay Kumar, and an engaging narrative, this film is a must-watch for those who value history and justice.
Kesari Chapter 2 Bollywood Movie Rating:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Where to Watch Kesari Chapter 2 Bollywood Movie:
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is currently running in theatres across India. OTT release details are awaited.
FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is Kesari Chapter 2 about?
Kesari Chapter 2 focuses on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 and the legal battle led by Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair to expose the British atrocities.
2. Is Kesari Chapter 2 a sequel to the original Kesari (2019)?
No, while both films star Akshay Kumar and are based on true stories involving Indian history, they are not directly connected in storyline or theme.
3. Who was Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair?
He was a distinguished lawyer and former President of the Indian National Congress, known for his outspoken criticism of British policies and his legal crusade post-Jallianwala massacre.
4. What really happened at Jallianwala Bagh on April 13, 1919?
Thousands of Indians, mostly Sikhs, gathered for a peaceful protest in Jallianwala Bagh. General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire without warning, killing hundreds and injuring thousands.
5. Is the movie historically accurate?
While the core incident and characters are based on true events, the film takes creative liberties for dramatic effect. Some events are fictionalized or dramatized.
6. How was General Dyer portrayed in the film?
Simon Paisley Day portrays Dyer as a cold, unrepentant colonizer. His performance adds chilling realism to the film’s tone.
7. What is the most powerful scene in the movie?
The bar council confrontation and the courtroom climax stand out for their emotional and patriotic intensity.
8. What is the message of Kesari Chapter 2?
The film underscores the importance of truth, justice, and historical remembrance. It also serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed by colonial powers.
9. Why was there criticism regarding the film’s style?
Some viewers and critics felt the Westernized set design and over-dramatization distracted from the historical authenticity of the narrative.
10. Will there be a Kesari Chapter 3?
There has been no official announcement yet, but given the historical backdrop and scope, a follow-up exploring India’s freedom movement further wouldn’t be surprising.
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