Film Review: A ‘Bloody Baisakhi’ and the Fight of a Hero – The Untold Revolution in ‘Kesari Chapter 2’
“That afternoon of the Bloody Baisakhi, when bullets spoke and freedom bore silent witness — ‘Kesari Chapter 2’ shatters that silence.”
18 April 2025 ,New Delhi
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
‘Kesari Chapter 2’ is not just a film — it’s a cinematic document of a long-overlooked chapter of history. It tells the story of Sir C. Sankaran Nair — a man who challenged the British Empire not with weapons, not with slogans, but with the power of law and moral integrity. His revolutionary stand, brought to life by Akshay Kumar, is supported by a powerful cast including Ananya Panday, R. Madhavan, Amit Sial, and Moumita Pal.
The Story – A Fight Fueled by Pride, Anguish, and Unshakeable Resolve
Before the story even begins, one thing is clear: this film evokes both pride and pain in equal measure. It’s not just a retelling of a historical incident; it’s the voice of an entire population’s grief and rage.
The story begins on 13 April 1919 with the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Peaceful protestors, including women, children, and the elderly, had gathered in Amritsar against the Rowlatt Act. Without any warning, General Dyer orders his troops to open fire, trapping innocent civilians inside the enclosed garden. Even hours after the massacre, the bodies lay scattered—preyed upon by vultures and silence alike.
To hide the truth, the British government clamps down on the press. The next morning, headlines falsely claim the protestors were armed and aggressive. While public outrage brews, the government attempts to silence dissent by announcing a paltry compensation of ₹25 and forming a biased commission of inquiry.
Here enters the central figure of the story—Sir C. Sankaran Nair (Akshay Kumar), recently knighted and the only Indian member of the commission. The British hope he’ll be their puppet, but Nair’s conscience doesn’t let him be complicit in this farce.
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During the inquiry, Nair meets a young revolutionary named Pargat Singh (played by Krish Rao), just 13 years old. Their emotional connection becomes a pivotal moment in the story. Pargat’s death ignites a transformation in Nair, pushing him to challenge the very empire he once served.
Then enters Dilreet Gill (Ananya Panday), a fierce, ambitious junior barrister who empowers Nair with renewed energy. Her sharp intellect and passionate idealism turn Nair from a lawyer into a warrior.
What follows is a gripping courtroom drama. Nair faces off against General Dyer’s counsel, Barrister Neville MacKinlay (R. Madhavan). Their past relationship and ideological clashes make for a fiery exchange, adding more layers to the narrative.
Amit Sial plays the role of a deceptive Indian loyalist to the British crown, whose manipulations become a key turning point in the plot.
The question remains: Can Sankaran Nair hold the British Empire accountable for one of the darkest chapters in Indian history? Will justice be served for the innocents lost at Jallianwala Bagh?
To find out, you’ll have to watch ‘Kesari Chapter 2’ — a film that’s not just meant to be seen but to be felt and remembered.
Direction, Screenplay & Picturization – A Benchmark in Period Dramas
Inspired by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat’s acclaimed book The Case That Shook the Empire: One Man’s Fight for the Truth About the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, the film doesn’t follow a strict documentary style — and that works in its favor. By blending emotion and engagement, director Karan Singh Tyagi crafts a moving cinematic experience.
The film hooks the audience from the first frame. There’s no unnecessary build-up. The raw pain, chaos, and trauma are depicted with such intensity that it immediately pulls you into the era.
The climax is equally powerful. It compels the audience to clap, whistle, and chant slogans like “Inquilab Zindabad” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Each twist in the screenplay reveals more truth, giving every actor room to shine — even in brief roles like that of Jan Nisar Akhtar.
Script & Dialogues – Emotionally Piercing and Intellectually Gripping
Writers Karan Singh Tyagi and Amritpal Singh Bindra present a well-structured, emotionally resonant script. It never loses focus and gradually evolves from an individual’s struggle to a nation’s fight.
Sumit Saxena’s dialogues leave a deep impact — thought-provoking, fiery, and applause-worthy. Several lines evoke cheers and thunderous applause from the audience.
Direction – Subtle, Precise, and Impactful
Karan Singh Tyagi’s direction is the soul of the film. Not a single scene feels out of place. Every character’s entry is timed perfectly and serves the larger narrative. From Martha Stevens’ courtroom track to the emotionally-charged climax, every moment keeps you engaged — even when the historical outcome is already known.
Editor Nitin Baid keeps the film crisp, while limited but high-quality VFX add authenticity to key moments.
Technical Excellence & Music
Debojeet Ray’s cinematography and Nitin Baid’s editing elevate the narrative. The film captures the intensity of the massacre, the courtroom drama, and emotional turmoil with remarkable finesse.
The background score is spine-chilling. Songs like “Teri Mitti,” “Kitthe Gaya Tu Saiyan,” and “Shera” enrich the emotional gravity and pace of the story.
Performances – Stellar Cast, Powerful Impact
The film’s greatest strength lies in its performances.
Akshay Kumar delivers one of his most powerful portrayals to date. With commanding dialogue delivery and emotional depth, he silences critics who often accuse him of reading from a teleprompter. His performance breathes life into Nair’s righteous rage and moral struggle.
Ananya Panday surprises everyone with her poised and emotionally layered performance. In courtroom scenes, she holds her ground and proves she’s capable of becoming one of the finest actresses of her generation.
R. Madhavan makes a dramatic entry just before the interval, and post-intermission, he takes over the screen. His intensity, composure, and nuanced delivery make his presence unforgettable.
Krish Rao leaves a mark with his brief but pivotal role as Pargat Singh.
Amit Sial, as Teerath Singh, is brilliant and adds strength to the storyline.
Every supporting actor complements the story beautifully, enhancing the film’s overall impact.
Why You Must Watch ‘Kesari Chapter 2’
‘Kesari Chapter 2’ is more than a film — it’s a tribute to truth, justice, and courage. It shines a light on a forgotten hero and reminds us of the power of resistance through intellect and principle.
It’s a must-watch for those who seek more than just entertainment — for those who crave depth, emotion, and history in cinema.
Final Verdict: 4 Stars out of 5
A must-watch, deeply stirring film that makes you think, feel, and remember.
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