Pratik S
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar returns to the big screen with Kesari 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, a powerful courtroom drama that has captivated audiences from its opening day. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film explores the historic legal battle fought by C. Sankaran Nair, a fearless lawyer who challenged the British Empire after the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
With R Madhavan portraying the British lawyer Neville McKinley and Ananya Panday playing Dilreet Gill, a determined legal ally, Kesari 2 has been hailed as an emotionally charged and thought-provoking film.
The movie has already sold over 50,000 tickets in advance bookings, signaling a strong box office performance. Let’s dive into the details of its release, reviews, and audience reactions.
Kesari 2: A Courtroom Drama Rooted in History
Unlike its predecessor, which focused on battlefield heroism, Kesari 2 shifts its lens to the legal confrontation that followed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film is based on the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, bringing to life the courageous legal fight that exposed British atrocities.
Akshay Kumar plays C. Sankaran Nair, a barrister who took on the British government in court after being sued for defamation by Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. His writings, which revealed the brutalities of British rule, led to a landmark courtroom battle that remains a pivotal moment in India‘s freedom movement.
#kesarichapter2Review
— Hitesh Kumar (@HiteshKumar2112) April 18, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Outstanding
Powerfull & Emotionally Charged film.This history expose Jalianwala bagh events. Presentation are Amazing. Strong Writing 📝 @akshaykumar & @ActorMadhavan performance are outstanding. @ananyapandayy are Amazing act .🔥🔥 watch it . pic.twitter.com/nHSAYtSVB4
Box Office Performance: A Strong Start
Advance Bookings and Opening Day Predictions
Ahead of its release, Kesari 2 generated Rs 3 crore in advance ticket sales, including blocked seats.
Industry experts predict that the film could earn Rs 9 crore on Day 1, making it one of Akshay Kumar’s strongest openers in recent years.
seeti maar reaction from Delhi special fan screening for #KesariChapter2 !!#AkshayKumarpic.twitter.com/HZyE00i7nG
— Kapil`ॐ (@iAKsSaviour) April 17, 2025
Wide Release Across India
The film is playing in over 3,700 shows across India, with major screenings in:
- Maharashtra – 814 shows
- Gujarat – 594 shows
- Delhi – 413 shows
- Punjab – 199 shows
With a patriotic theme and gripping courtroom sequences, Kesari 2 is expected to grow through word-of-mouth in evening and weekend shows.
Audience and Critical Reception
Early Reviews Praise Performances
Critics and audiences alike have praised the film’s emotional depth, calling it a must-watch for history enthusiasts.
- Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair has been described as his finest performance yet, with many calling for a National Award nomination.
- R Madhavan’s role as Neville McKinley has been lauded for its nuanced and gripping intensity.
- Ananya Panday surprises audiences with one of her strongest performances, proving her growth as an actor.
Akshay paaji in this scene🔥🔥#AkshayKumar #kesari2review pic.twitter.com/mpugBzhSOw
— Ashutosh (@Ashutosh1274) April 18, 2025
Social Media Buzz
Twitter and Instagram are flooded with reactions:
- “Kesari 2 is a cinematic thunderstorm! Akshay Kumar’s monologue gave me goosebumps. This film deserves all the awards!”
- “R Madhavan is chilling as the British lawyer. The courtroom scenes are gripping!”
- “Ananya Panday has truly evolved as an actor. She holds her own in this powerful drama.”
Even Bollywood celebrities like Vicky Kaushal and Huma Qureshi have praised the film, calling it “gritty, sincere, and sensitive”.
Kesari 2’s Impact and Future Prospects
A Personal Connection for Akshay Kumar
During the trailer launch, Akshay Kumar revealed his deep personal connection to the film’s subject:
“My dad was born just opposite Jallianwala Bagh. My grandfather witnessed these events firsthand. This film is very personal to me.”
Kesari 3 Confirmed
Akshay Kumar has officially announced that the Kesari franchise will continue, with Kesari 3 focusing on Hari Singh Nalwa, the legendary commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Fauj.
A Must-Watch Courtroom Drama
With its historical significance, powerful performances, and gripping storytelling, Kesari 2 is more than just a film—it’s a cinematic tribute to India’s forgotten heroes.
Whether you’re a history buff, a courtroom drama enthusiast, or an Akshay Kumar fan, this movie is worth watching on the big screen.
As Kesari 2 continues its box office journey, all eyes are on its weekend performance and whether it can cross the Rs 100 crore mark.
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