Kesari Chapter 2 has officially hit theaters as of April 18, 2025, coinciding with the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This sequel transitions from the battlefield to the courtroom, spotlighting the legal battle that sought justice for the victims of the tragic event. With compelling performances and a powerful narrative, the film delves deep into a pivotal moment in India’s history.
Overview
- Title: Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh
- Release Date: April 18, 2025
- Status: Released
- Director: Karan Singh Tyagi
- Producers: Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Anand Tiwari, Amritpal Singh Bindra, Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Adar Poonawalla
- Co-Producers: Marijke DeSouza, Somen Mishra, Vedant Vikaas Baali
- Banner: Dharma Productions, Cape of Good Films, Leo Media Collective
- Genre: Historical, Drama
- Language: Hindi
- Runtime: 2h 15min (Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh (2025) – Movie, Kesari Chapter 2 box office collection day 7: Akshay Kumar, Madhavan film rounds off first week with 45 cr)
- Certification: A (Censor Certificate No: DIL/3/18/2025-MUM; Date: 2025/04/09)
Plot Summary
Set in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, the film follows C. Sankaran Nair, portrayed by Akshay Kumar, a lawyer and former President of the Indian National Congress. Nair takes on the British Empire in a legal battle, seeking accountability for the brutal killing of hundreds of unarmed civilians. The narrative unfolds in a gripping courtroom drama, highlighting Nair’s unwavering commitment to justice and the challenges he faces against colonial powers.
Movie Cast and Crew
- Akshay Kumar … C. Sankaran Nair
- Ananya Panday … Dilreet Gill
- R. Madhavan … Neville McKinley
- Simon Paisley Day … General Dyer
- Alexx O’Nell … Lord Chelmsford
- Regina Cassandra … Parvathy Nair
- Amit Sial … Tirath Singh
- Krish Rao … Pargat Singh
- Steven Hartley … Judge McArdie
- Sammy Jonas Heaney … Harold Laski (jury member)
- Mark Bennington … Michael O’Dwyer
- Rohan Verma … Jaan Nisar
- Alexandra Moloney … Martha Stevens
- Jaipreet Singh … Kirpal Singh
- Luke Kenny … Appeal court judge
- Masaba Gupta … Special Appearance
- Atul Kumar … Crown’s Lawyer
Crew:
- Writer: Karan Singh Tyagi, Amritpal Singh Bindra
- Screenplay: Amritpal Singh Bindra
- Dialogue: Sumit Saxena
- Lyricist: Irshad Kamil, Sukhwinder Amrit
- Music Director: Shashwat Sachdev, Sangtar, Azeem Dayani, Kavita Seth
- Playback Singers: Manmohan Waris, Kamal Heer, Sangtar, Sonu Nigam, Sanjith Hegde, Shanya Kashyap, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Jubin Nautiyal, Garvit Soni, Kavita Seth
- Editor: Nitin Baid
- Cinematographer: Debojeet Ray
- Background Music: Shashwat Sachdev, Azeem Dayani
- Costume Designer: Sheetal Sharma
- Visual Effects: Futureworks
- Production Designer: Rita Ghosh
- Sound: Anish John
- Casting Director: Panchami Ghavri
- Action Director: Florian Hotz, Sunil Rodrigues
- Art Director: Krishnanand Sharma
- Executive Producer: Madhav Roy Kapur
- Shooting Location: India
- (Kesari Chapter 2 Cast & Crew – Filmibeat, Kesari Chapter 2 Movie Star Cast | Release Date)
🎥 Trailer
The official trailer showcases intense courtroom confrontations, emotional testimonies, and a powerful portrayal of a nation’s fight for justice. Akshay Kumar’s depiction of C. Sankaran Nair stands out, promising a riveting performance.
Budget & Box Office
- Budget: Estimated between ₹100–150 crore, reflecting its grand scale and historical significance.
- Box Office Collection (First Week): Approximately ₹45.7 crore in India.
- Worldwide Collection (First 5 Days): Around ₹56.6 crore.
While the film had a strong opening weekend, collections dipped mid-week. However, positive word-of-mouth and critical acclaim may bolster its performance in the coming weeks.
Critical Reception
Kesari Chapter 2 has garnered praise for its compelling storytelling, strong performances, and its focus on a lesser-known chapter of India’s freedom struggle. Critics have highlighted Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair as a standout. Some sequences have also been noted for their melodrama and emotional intensity.
Where to Watch
Kesari Chapter 2 is currently playing in theaters nationwide. For showtimes and bookings, check platforms like BookMyShow or Fandango.
Future Installments
Following the release of Kesari Chapter 2, a third installment has been confirmed. Kesari Chapter 3 will focus on the life of Hari Singh Nalwa, the first commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Fauj, promising another deep dive into India’s rich history.
Quick Facts
- Based on: The legal battle following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
- Is it a true story?: Yes, inspired by real events and historical figures.
- Available on OTT?: Post its theatrical run, the film is expected to stream on platforms like JioCinema or Disney+ Hotstar.
- Budget: ₹100–150 crore.
- Box Office Status: Moderate performance; future success hinges on sustained audience interest.
Conclusion
Kesari Chapter 2 offers a poignant look into a pivotal moment in India’s history, shedding light on the legal battles that complemented the country’s fight for independence. With strong performances and a compelling narrative, it’s a must-watch for those interested in historical dramas and untold stories of courage.
Note: All information is accurate as of April 25, 2025.
