Trailer
Review
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is a gripping historical drama that shifts the lens from the blood-soaked grounds of Amritsar to the hallowed courtrooms of justice. The film chronicles the courageous legal battle waged by C. Sankaran Nair (Akshay Kumar), a former President of the Indian National Congress and a respected lawyer, against Sir Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. Director Karan Singh Tyagi frames this as a cerebral thriller, where evidence is the weapon and truth is the contested prize. The narrative oscillates between the tense 1924 libel trial in London and harrowing flashbacks to the 1919 massacre, creating a compelling dialogue between memory and accountability. While the courtroom drama is the engine, the film's heart lies in its exploration of moral conviction in the face of colonial power. The pacing is deliberate, demanding attention as it builds its case through meticulous detail and emotional resonance. Cinematographer Anay Goswamy captures the stark contrast between the opulent, wood-paneled British court and the dusty, tragic expanse of Jallianwala Bagh with a painterly eye, using light and shadow to underscore the thematic divide. The score, by a returning team, is more restrained than its predecessor, favoring solemn strings and period-appropriate motifs that amplify tension without melodrama.
Pros
- ✓Akshay Kumar's nuanced performance as the stoic, determined C. Sankaran Nair, showcasing a powerful restraint that speaks volumes in the courtroom's quiet moments.
- ✓The intelligent and tightly scripted courtroom drama that successfully builds suspense around historical facts, making legal procedure engaging for a general audience.
- ✓Outstanding production design and cinematography that authentically recreate both early 20th-century London and Punjab, immersing the viewer in the period.
- ✓The film's crucial focus on a lesser-known chapter of post-massacre history, highlighting the intellectual and legal resistance to colonial narratives.
Cons
- ✗The runtime feels slightly overlong, with a few flashback sequences disrupting the courtroom momentum and could have been trimmed for a tighter narrative.
- ✗Some supporting characters, particularly the British antagonists, occasionally veer into caricature, lacking the complexity afforded to the central figures.
- ✗The romantic subplot involving Ananya Panday's character, while adding human context, feels underdeveloped and tangential to the main legal thrust.
Kesari Chapter 2 is a significant and commendable film that succeeds more as a courtroom procedural than a war epic. It fills a vital gap in popular historical storytelling by focusing on the arduous pursuit of justice after a tragedy, rather than just the tragedy itself. Akshay Kumar delivers one of his most measured performances, and the film's technical craft is top-notch. While it stumbles with minor pacing issues and some simplistic characterizations, its core strength—an intellectually stimulating and emotionally charged narrative about holding power to account—remains undeniable. This is not a film of roaring battle cries, but of quiet, unwavering resolve. It may not have the visceral impact of the first 'Kesari,' but it offers a more profound and lasting contemplation on legacy, truth, and the different forms of courage. It's a necessary watch for those who believe history is not just about events, but about the stories we fight to tell afterward.
🎯 Who Should Watch
History enthusiasts, fans of courtroom dramas, viewers interested in colonial Indian history, and audiences who appreciate character-driven narratives over pure action.
⭐ Standout Elements
The film's bold decision to center its narrative on a legal battle and intellectual confrontation, rather than dramatizing the massacre itself, is its most standout element. This approach provides a fresh, thought-provoking perspective on a well-known historical event. Akshay Kumar's transformation into the dignified, resolute C. Sankaran Nair and the meticulously recreated period atmosphere are also exceptional.
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents exceptional filmmaking that deserves your attention.
