Story: The courtroom drama explores the aftermath of the tragic 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, as lawyer C Sankaran Nair (Akshay Kumar) takes on the powerful British Empire, fighting to expose the truth and hold them accountable for genocide.
Review: The conflict shifts from the battleground of Saragarhi in
Kesari (2019) to the courtroom in director Karan Singh Tyagi’s historical drama. Inspired by
The Case That Shook the Empire by C. Sankaran Nair’s grandson Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, writers Tyagi and Amritpal Bindra evoke pathos, anger, and thrill in equal measure through their narrative. The recreation of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre tugs at your heartstrings, the injustice fuels your anger, and the legal battle keeps you hooked.
While the pacing is initially uneven—particularly during the sequence of Sankaran helping convict revolutionary Kirpal Singh (Jaipreet Singh) and the pre-trial against General Reginald Dyer (Simon Paisley Day)—the engagement peaks once he faces a fierce nemesis in Anglo-Indian lawyer Neville McKinley (R Madhavan).
Production designer Rita Ghosh authentically recreates the pre-Independence era, while Debojeet Ray’s cinematography, along with Tyagi’s direction and treatment, keeps you invested throughout. Shashwat Sachdev’s composition
O Shera and Azeem Dayani’s background score elevate the narrative to a rousing level.
The story also portrays corruption within the British Empire, its disdain for Indians, and the growing revolutionary sentiment—without slipping into overdramatisation. However, Sankaran’s transition from Crown loyalist to nationalist feels slightly rushed.
The tight narrative is anchored by Akshay Kumar, who shines as the brilliant and courageous Sankaran. R Madhavan is equally formidable, delivering a controlled yet intense performance. Ananya Panday, as Sankaran’s co-counsel Dilreet Gill and a catalyst in the legal battle, is impactful. Her portrayal blends realism with nervousness as she takes on the mighty Empire—transforming from a hesitant first-timer in court to a fiery cross-examiner in a key sequence.
Simon Paisley Day deserves special mention as the villainous General Dyer. A glimpse into his childhood trauma—being bullied for stuttering and inheriting hatred for Indians from his father—is portrayed effectively. Pargat Singh (Krish Rao), as the young boy who loses his mother and sister in the massacre and bravely raises his voice against it, also delivers a powerful performance.
The tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre is a well-documented chapter in history. Yet, this deep dive into the lesser-known case that shook the Empire makes for an incredible tale. Its gripping narrative and stellar performances make it a must-watch fare.