Akshay Kumar returns to the big screen with 'Kesari Chapter 2', a compelling historical courtroom drama directed by Karan Singh Tyagi. The film has hit the cinemas today on April 18, 2025, and it revisits the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, focusing on the legal battle led by C. Sankaran Nair against the British Empire. This spiritual sequel to the 2019 film 'Kesari' is based on the book 'The Case That Shook The Empire' by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat.

'Kesari Chapter 2’: Overview, Cast and Characters
Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, 'Kesari Chapter 2' centers on C. Sankaran Nair, portrayed by Akshay Kumar, a fearless barrister who challenged the British Raj in court to expose the truth behind the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. R. Madhavan plays Neville McKinley, Nair's opposing counsel, while Ananya Panday takes on the role of Dilreet Gill. The cast also includes Regina Cassandra as Palat Kunhimalu Amma, Simon Paisley Day as General Reginald Dyer, and Alexx O'Nell as Lord Chelmsford. The film's narrative sheds light on Nair's unwavering commitment to justice and his efforts to hold the British accountable for their actions.

'Kesari Chapter 2’ Trailer
The trailer for ‘Kesari Chapter 2’, which dropped earlier this month, offered a powerful and emotional look at the courtroom drama led by Akshay’s character. It opened with haunting visuals of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, showing the terrible destruction and the impact it had across India. Akshay’s C. Sankaran Nair, can be seen questioning the British Empire. One key moment in the trailer shows him challenging General Dyer, the man responsible for the massacre. Dyer claims the crowd was full of armed terrorists, but Sankaran Nair hits back, “What weapons did you see in the hands of eight-month-old babies? Their kadas? Or their clenched fists?” This bold exchange takes place in court as he faces off against R Madhavan’s character, Neville McKinley, the British Empire’s lawyer. The trailer promises a moving story of truth, justice, and standing up against brutal colonial power and a emotional glimpse of what the film has to offer.

'Kesari Chapter 2’ Special screening
Ahead of its release, a special screening was held on April 15, 2025, at a theatre in Chanakyapuri, Delhi. The event was attended by prominent political figures and dignitaries. Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan personally welcomed the guests. During the event, Akshay expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for acknowledging the film saying, "I am grateful and happy that he (PM Narendra Modi) knows about the movie from the beginning and acknowledged it. That's very kind of him, and it's happened just when the movie is releasing."

Box Office prospects
The film has garnered significant attention, with advance bookings reflecting strong interest. According to Sacnilk, 'Kesari Chapter 2' sold over 50,000 tickets across 4,494 shows across India, earning Rs 1.84 crore in advance sales. Including blocked seats, the total advance booking collection stands at Rs 3 crore.

TOI

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen Filmography

Trending Celebs

Related Celebs