Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, R Madhavan, Amit Sial, Regena Cassandra, Simon Paisley Day
Director: Karan Singh Tyagi
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Script Analysis:
Kesari Chapter 2 takes you straight into the heart of one of the darkest moments in Indian history — the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Director Karan Singh Tyagi delivers an insightful and disturbing depiction of the events, focusing on both the brutal psychology of General Dyer and the resilience of C. Sankaran Nair. The investigation sequences stand out for their meticulous detailing — from exposing Dyer’s calculated moves to discrediting the tragedy by attempting a false rape charge, to capturing the sheer hatred he held towards Indians.
The dialogues sting like a whip and haunt long after the film ends. The screenplay shines in the first half, although it drags slightly in the second half, making the film longer than necessary. Additionally, R Madhavan’s character as Neville McKinley had more room for nuance and depth, which feels like a missed opportunity.
Star Performances:
Akshay Kumar shines as C. Sankaran Nair — a role that allows him to flex both vulnerability and fervor. Be it in the tense courtroom moments, the emotional confrontations, or the fiery climax scene, he delivers one of the best performances of his career.
Ananya Panday shines with an intense and confident performance — making this one of the best roles of her filmography.
R Madhavan captures the cunning and desperation of Neville McKinley effectively, while Amit Sial and Regena Cassandra impress in their respective roles. Meanwhile, Simon Paisley Day delivers a spine-chilling performance as General Dyer, making the character a figure of terror and infamy.
Direction & Music:
Karan Singh Tyagi delivers a powerful film that goes beyond being just a period piece. The soundtracks — especially ‘O Shera’ and ‘Kithe Gaya’ — are deeply moving. The nostalgic inclusion of ‘Teri Mitti’ adds an emotional resonance that connects both films beautifully.
👉 For more about the historical context of the events depicted, visit the official Jallianwala Bagh Wikipedia page.
The Last Word:
Kesari Chapter 2 is more than a film — it’s an education, an emotion, and a reminder of the countless sacrifices made for India’s independence. It’s a story that needs to be watched, especially by the younger generation, to truly comprehend the struggles of those forgotten heroes.
Verdict: A gripping, gut-wrenching chapter in history — Akshay Kumar shines like never before!
👉 If you liked this review, you can also read our review of Chhaava or Sikandar for more blockbuster stories.