Kesari Chapter 2 Review: Critics Call It “Hauntingly Powerful”; Earns ₹3 Cr in Advance Booking
Key Highlights:
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh has finally hit theatres, and the early reactions are in—critics are calling it “hauntingly powerful”, “emotionally stirring”, and “a must-watch courtroom epic.”
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh finally opened in theatres today, and critics are calling it a “hauntingly powerful cinematic experience.” Moving away from the battlefield drama of its 2019 predecessor, the film steps into the aftermath of one of India’s darkest historical chapters—the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919.
Starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, and directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film focuses on C. Sankaran Nair, the lawyer who dared to take on the British Empire in court.
A Shift from War to the Courtroom
Unlike the first Kesari film, which glorified military valor, Kesari Chapter 2 takes a more grounded and intellectual approach. Based on The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, the story presents a gripping courtroom drama centered on justice, truth, and colonial resistance.
Akshay Kumar plays Sankaran Nair with a calm yet commanding presence. Critics are calling it his best performance in years, citing his restraint and conviction. R. Madhavan, as Neville McKinley, brings an articulate and composed British opposition, while Ananya Panday’s role as Dilreet Gill surprises many with emotional weight and political awareness.
Early Reactions: Critics Praise the Film’s Tone and Timing
Critics from leading media houses have heaped praise:
- Indian Express calls it “India’s The Post, blending nationalism with journalistic and legal grit.”
- Filmfare wrote: “The courtroom tension is real, the dialogues land, and the performances lift the material.”
- Hindustan Times noted the film’s “emotional crescendo that builds to a gut-wrenching finale.”
Notably, audiences applauded how the film avoids jingoism, instead leaning into nuanced storytelling.
Strong Box Office Opening: ₹3 Crore in Advance Booking
Ahead of release, the film grossed ₹3 crore in advance bookings, a promising number for a genre that isn’t known for mass pull. Trade analysts are optimistic that Kesari Chapter 2 could earn between ₹9–11 crore on Day 1, depending on walk-ins and evening shows.
This is also Akshay Kumar’s biggest pre-release collection since 2022, marking a much-needed return to form.
Special Screening and Political Endorsements
A special screening was held in Delhi on April 16 for top political figures. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta described it as “a tribute to India’s unsung heroes,” while Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri called it “a cinematic ode to our freedom fighters.” Ministers Bansuri Swaraj and Manjinder Singh Sirsa praised the film’s authenticity and historical sensitivity.
Spiritual Start: Golden Temple Visit by Cast
Before the film’s release, Akshay, Madhavan, and Ananya visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar to seek blessings. Sharing their visit online, the cast emphasized the emotional gravity of the project.
Ananya captioned her photo: “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh”, while Akshay shared that he found “deep calm and peace before this important release.”
Kesari Chapter 2 Delivers a Powerful Cinematic Statement
With compelling courtroom drama, emotionally resonant storytelling, and career-best performances, Kesari Chapter 2 emerges as a mature and meaningful addition to Indian cinema. Akshay Kumar’s return to serious drama, supported by R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, ensures that this film will be remembered not just for its subject matter, but for the dignity with which it’s told. cinema, Kesari Chapter 2 is not to be missed.
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