Kesari 2: A Stirring Courtroom Drama That Unveils Colonial Injustice

Bollywood has often drawn from the pages of Indian history to deliver powerful narratives that inform and inspire. Kesari  2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is the latest in this line—a compelling courtroom drama that seeks to highlight the story of a lesser-known freedom fighter, C. Sankaran Nair. Helmed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film shifts gears from the battlefield saga of Kesari (2019) to the austere, tense corridors of colonial-era courtrooms. The result is a film that is both stirring and flawed, brilliant in its intent but occasionally uneven in execution.

A Forgotten Hero Steps into the Spotlight

Unlike the action-packed, sepia-toned war sequences of the original Kesari 2, this spiritual sequel takes on a quieter but no less intense form of resistance—the legal fight. The story revolves around C. Sankaran Nair (played by Akshay Kumar), a barrister who courageously takes on the British Empire after the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film follows his journey as he fights for justice, attempting to hold British officials accountable through a landmark defamation case.

This is no small tale. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre remains one of the most harrowing chapters of India’s colonial history, and Kesari 2 tries to unravel its emotional, political, and human costs through the prism of law. It’s a bold narrative choice and one that allows audiences to engage with a different facet of the freedom struggle—one where intellect, strategy, and sheer willpower replace swords and guns.

Performance-Driven Storytelling

Akshay Kumar leads the film with remarkable restraint. As Nair, he portrays the transformation of a man who starts as a loyalist but gradually awakens to the cruel realities of imperial rule. Kumar’s performance is layered, showing Nair’s internal struggle and moral awakening with a sincerity that anchors the film.

Matching his performance is R. Madhavan, who plays the role of the opposing British counsel. Though underutilized in a few key scenes, Madhavan brings gravitas to the courtroom face-offs, offering a worthy ideological adversary to Kumar’s Nair. Ananya Panday surprises with a solid performance as Dilreet Gill, Nair’s co-counsel, growing from an uncertain rookie to a confident legal mind who challenges both colonial arrogance and societal expectations.

A Courtroom Drama with Emotional Depth

The heart of Kesari  2 lies in its courtroom sequences. Director Karan Singh Tyagi masterfully builds tension within the confines of oak-paneled halls, where each objection, each witness, and each revelation builds the stakes. The legal proceedings are dramatized enough to engage but rooted in historical research to retain authenticity.

While the second half delivers these high-voltage moments effectively, the first half is noticeably slower. Expository scenes and character build-ups are somewhat drawn out, occasionally dampening the film’s momentum. That said, once the trial begins in earnest, the film finds its stride, delivering moments of cinematic and emotional power.

Historical Integrity and Technical Execution

The production design deserves applause for its attention to detail. From the British colonial architecture to the costumes and even the dialect, the film succeeds in transporting viewers to early 20th-century India. The cinematography complements the drama well, using shadow and space to evoke both tension and oppression.

Shashwat Sachdev’s background score is subtle yet impactful, heightening the courtroom drama without overwhelming it. However, the editing could have been tighter. The film’s runtime feels slightly stretched, particularly in its early segments, which may test the patience of viewers accustomed to faster-paced storytelling.

Mixed Reception, Yet Important Cinema

Kesari  2 has received a mixed but generally positive critical reception. While many reviewers praised its strong performances and noble subject matter, others pointed out its formulaic execution and lack of narrative innovation. Yet, what stands out is the importance of the story it tells. In an industry where commercial success often trumps substance, Kesari Chapter 2 takes a bold route by spotlighting an unsung hero of India’s freedom movement.

More than just a sequel, the film expands the definition of patriotism in cinema. It’s not just about bravery in battle—it’s also about the courage to speak truth to power, even in the face of overwhelming odds. And for that reason alone, it is a film worth watching.

Final Verdict

Kesari 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh may not be flawless, but it is undeniably important. It combines history, drama, and social commentary to bring to light a chapter that has long deserved cinematic recognition. With strong performances, especially by Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan, and a courtroom narrative that mostly grips, this film offers a different kind of patriotic tale—one fought with reason, law, and unwavering conviction.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a film with depth and purpose, Kesari Chapter 2 makes a solid case for your attention.