Kesari Chapter 2: A Missed Chance for Historical Depth
Sankaran’s Unconvincing Shift: From Ally to Rebel
A Worthy Cause, Flawed Delivery
Kesari Chapter 2 seeks to push the modern British government for a formal apology for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. The film brings together Akshay Kumar and a group of white actors to create a high-decibel spectacle.
Rooted in Reality
Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and co-written with Amritpal Singh Bindra, the movie is based on the non-fiction book, The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. It delves into the legal battles of C Sankaran Nair against the British following the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy.
Sankaran’s Transformation
The story follows Sankaran (Akshay Kumar), a lawyer who initially defends the British Empire against Indian revolutionaries. However, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre deeply affects him, turning him into a fierce opponent of the Crown.
The Massacre’s Conspiracy
Sankaran, along with junior lawyer Dilreet (Ananya Panday), uncovers evidence suggesting a conspiracy behind the massacre. They argue that Brigadier Reginald Dyer intentionally manipulated events to trap protestors in a confined space with no escape.
Divide and Conquer
The British appoint Indian advocate Neville (R Madhavan) to counter Sankaran’s arguments, leading to a heated courtroom battle.
Squandered Potential
Despite promising initial scenes involving the spy Tirath (Amit Sial), the film fails to delve into the complex historical processes. Instead, it oversimplifies them into ludicrous exchanges and incredulous plot twists.
Unbelievable Character Arc
Sankaran’s sudden realization of British racism and his status as a subject rather than an equal strains credulity. The film fails to provide context for his transformation or acknowledge the wider freedom struggle.
Exaggerated Courtroom Drama
The movie turns into a shouting match between Sankaran and Neville, with Sankaran hurling F-bombs and questioning Dyer’s manhood. Even Akshay Kumar’s restrained performance cannot save the film from its excesses.
Uneven Performances
R Madhavan’s Neville is more believable, while Amit Sial’s Tirath is well-observed. Ananya Panday and Regina Cassandra, as Sankaran’s wife, are unfortunately decorative.
Reginald Dyer’s Portrayal
The film’s most satisfying revenge is its portrayal of Reginald Dyer, played by Simon Paisley Day, who delivers a poor performance, shouting “Bloody Indians” like a caricature.
- The Waking of a Nation
- Kesari Chapter 2 (2025)
