
Cast and Crew
Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film features Akshay Kumar as C. Sankaran Nair — a fearless barrister who took the British Empire to court after the 1919 massacre. R. Madhavan plays British lawyer Neville McKinley, bringing quiet intensity to his role, and Ananya Panday stars as Dilreet Gill, in one of her most grounded and emotionally layered roles to date.
The film is adapted from the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, and is backed by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films.
Plot Overview
Unlike the battle-heavy first Kesari, this sequel shifts the lens to the courtroom. The story picks up after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, focusing on Nair’s bold legal fight to expose the British government’s role and seek justice for the victims. It’s a mix of history, law, and quiet rebellion — more dialogues than action, but just as intense.
Performances and Direction
Akshay Kumar brings a calm but fierce energy to the role — the kind that makes you sit up and listen. R. Madhavan is a perfect foil, and the courtroom exchanges between the two are some of the film’s best moments. Ananya Panday, in a more serious role than we’ve seen before, surprises with her restraint and grace.
Director Karan Singh Tyagi handles the heavy subject matter with care. The film isn’t trying to dramatize history — it’s trying to make you feel its weight. While the pace may not be for everyone, the emotional core and strong character work keep it grounded.
Box Office and Opening Response
Even before hitting theatres, Kesari Chapter 2 was off to a strong start — selling over 50,000 tickets in advance and raking in Rs 3 crores before release. Of that, Rs 1.84 crore came from regular bookings. With its release falling on Good Friday, the film is expected to keep the momentum going over the weekend.
Public Review
Reactions so far are mixed but leaning positive. While some viewers felt it moved a little slowly, others are calling it powerful, emotional, and long overdue. It may not be a crowd-pleaser in the traditional sense, but it’s definitely a conversation-starter.
Scroll down to read how the audience is reacting to the film:
#KesariChapter2 is a powerful & emotionally charged film, this historical drama brings to life the tragic events of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre with heart-wrenching authenticity….
performance by #AkshayKumar & @ActorMadhavan
Must watch movie ðÂÂÂÂÂÂ#Kesari2 pic.twitter.com/g65hE4oDLz
— Varsha Singh (@VarshaSingh_01) April 18, 2025
Just hit intermission in Kesari Chapter 2 and honestly, it’s shaping up to be one of the finest period courtroom dramas in recent times.
The performances are so powerful—had my blood boiling one moment and eyes tearing up the next.#KesariChapter2Review | #KesariChapter2 |… pic.twitter.com/m7UxOh5sQT
— Prateek (@Pratz_0078) April 18, 2025
Akshay Kumar in the final scenes is pure goosebumps!
Kesari 2 is impactful ðÂÂÂÂ¥ pic.twitter.com/cZTWxoxMOB
— Vishal (@vishalandcinema) April 18, 2025
Kesari 2 is coming with even more firepower!
Akshay Kumar returns, joined by R. Madhavan, in a powerful tale of courage.
Here’s everything you need to knowhttps://t.co/ihtDRsBzEe#Kesari2 #AkshayKumar #RMadhavan #Bollywood2025 #MovieBuzz #popnewsblend #dharmaproduction pic.twitter.com/pYKZxWVKhx
— erprashant (@erprashant) April 18, 2025
I literally don’t care about any of the shitty opinions from any Xyz clowns..
I’m gonna watch Kesari 2 only in theaters ..
Who gives a shit about the box office when the content is good ðÂÂÂÂÂÂð».
— Anshul (@Anshul_931930) April 18, 2025
See Also: Ananya Pandey Shares Captivating Stills From Kesari Chapter 2