Did you know PM Narendra Modi paid a tribute to C. Sankaran Nair ahead of 'Kesari Chapter 2' release?
Ahead of the release of Akshay Kumar’s 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh', Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored the legacy of C. Sankaran Nair, the distinguished lawyer and nationalist leader portrayed in the film. In a public statement, PM Modi acknowledged Nair’s pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle, particularly his bold resignation from the Viceroy’s Executive Council in protest of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.
PM Modi emphasized that Nair’s courage and commitment to justice continue to inspire generations. He expressed hope that the film would shed light on Nair’s contributions and educate the public about this significant chapter in India’s history. The Prime Minister’s tribute added to the anticipation surrounding the film, which aimed to bring Nair’s story to a wider audience.
"Though he was from Kerala and the incident happened in Punjab, he fought the case and moved the British. Sankaran Nair ensured that the British government was brought to the court of law. This is what makes India great — one India, a united India.The people of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh should know about Sankaran Nair. Every adult and child should be aware of his contributions. We must remember him — he is an inspiration and a symbol of our patriotic spirit," shared PM Modi.
'Kesari Chapter 2’ Wins Hearts: Fans Praise Akshay Kumar’s Performance, Call It National Award-Worthy
Akshay Kumar’s 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh' earned glowing praise from early viewers, especially after its special screening. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have been flooded with positive reactions, with many fans calling it one of Akshay's most powerful performances. Several even believe his portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair is worthy of a National Award.
“The clapping at the end from the special screening of #KesariChapter2 says it all that just like #SkyForce this movie will also be going to get a standing ovation from the audience in the theatres,” wrote a netizen.
“#KesariChapter2 is by farrrrrrr the BEST performance of #AkshayKumar The Background Music, Intensity, emotional scences & the Climax... PURE GOOSEBUMPS,” read another post.
While another internet user wrote - “National Award worthy Performance by both leads”.
Alongside Akshay, R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday have also been applauded for their impressive performances. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film revisits the historical events following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, focusing on Nair’s legal resistance against British authorities.
Akshay Kumar request to fans: 'Don't use phones in the theatre'
Ahead of the release of 'Kesari Chapter 2', Akshay Kumar has made a heartfelt appeal to his fans: avoid using mobile phones during the film. The actor emphasized that the movie's courtroom drama and emotional depth deserve undivided attention. He urged audiences to immerse themselves fully in the cinematic experience, suggesting that distractions like phone usage can detract from the film's impact. By making this request, Kumar aims to foster a respectful and engaging environment in theaters, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the story being told.
Who was C. Sankaran Nair?
Akshay Kumar’s 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh' turns the spotlight on a lesser-known yet heroic figure from India’s freedom struggle — C. Sankaran Nair. A renowned lawyer and judge, Nair was also a prominent nationalist leader who made a bold statement against British rule. As a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council, he took a historic stand by resigning from his post in 1919 to protest the Jallianwala Bagh massacre — a brutal incident that left hundreds of innocent Indians dead under British command.
What set C. Sankaran Nair apart was his belief in the power of legal resistance. He didn’t stop at resignation; instead, he took the unprecedented step of legally challenging the British Raj by filing a defamation case against Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. His pursuit of justice became a landmark moment in colonial India’s legal history, reflecting his courage and unwavering dedication to human rights and national dignity. 'Kesari Chapter 2' aims to bring this powerful chapter of Indian history to the forefront, honoring the legacy of a man who dared to fight the empire in its own courtrooms.
Akshay Kumar urges fans to reach the theatres on time; says the first 10 mins are very important part of the story
‘Kesari Chapter 2’ opens strong with ₹3 Crore in advance booking
Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan’s courtroom drama 'Kesari Chapter 2' has made a solid debut at the box office. The film, which brings together two powerhouse performers in a gripping legal battle, recorded impressive advance bookings—selling over 50,000 tickets even before its theatrical release, according to Sacnilk.
According to early estimates, the film collected approximately ₹3 crore on its opening day. With its intense storyline and compelling performances, Kesari Chapter 2 has managed to strike a chord with audiences on day one. The buzz around the film, coupled with its strong opening numbers, sets a positive tone for its weekend run.
Trade analysts are keeping a close eye on how the film performs in the coming days, especially given the strong word-of-mouth and star appeal driving footfalls to theatres.
Ananya Panday reflects on her journey to portray Dilreet Gill and learning Punjabi for ‘Kesari Chapter 2’
Ananya Panday recently shared insights about her preparation for playing Dilreet Gill in Karan Singh Tyagi's upcoming film, 'Kesari Chapter 2'. Speaking at the film's press conference, she described the role as a significant challenge but expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity. "Honestly, I am a big learner. I was a very keen student in school. I was excited to be part of this film," she stated. Ananya also highlighted the unique opportunity to work alongside Bollywood icon Akshay Kumar, with whom her father has collaborated on several films. "I got the chance to work with Akshay sir—I’m a big fan of him. My dad has done a lot of films with him, and finally, I got a chance," she added, speaking fondly of the opportunity to share the screen with her long-time idol.
In addition to working with Akshay Kumar, Ananya dedicated herself to learning Punjabi for the role, a testament to her commitment to fully embodying the character. "To sum it all up, I learned Punjabi," she explained, showcasing her determination to bring authenticity to her portrayal of Dilreet.
'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh' is a spiritual sequel to the 2019 film 'Kesari'. It narrates the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, focusing on the efforts of lawyer Chettur Sankaran Nair, played by Akshay Kumar, who challenges the British Empire in court. R Madhavan stars as the opposing lawyer Neville McKinley, while Ananya Panday portrays Dilreet Gill, another lawyer in the film
Akshay Kumar reveals his grandfather witnessed the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is one of the most painful and dark chapters in India’s history. On 13 April 1919, thousands of Indians gathered peacefully at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar to protest against the Rowlatt Act and to celebrate Baisakhi. Without any warning, British officer General Dyer ordered his troops to fire at the crowd. With the only exit blocked, people had nowhere to run. Hundreds were killed, and over a thousand were injured. This shocking incident stirred deep anger across the country and played a key role in strengthening the freedom movement against British rule.
Speaking during the press conference for the film, Akshay shared a very personal connection with the story. He revealed, "My grandfather witnessed the entire Jallianwala Bagh incident. He had told stories to my father about this, and my father told me. I have known a lot about the massacre since I was a child, so the film is very special to me. The event has been etched in my mind always...The most surprising thing was history doesn’t tell us what we actually need to know."
R Madhavan on the message to the world through ‘Kesari Chapter 2’: The days of taking an Indian for granted are gone
In 'Kesari Chapter 2', R Madhavan portrays the character Neville McKinley in a film that explores the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, focusing on a gripping courtroom battle that highlights a pivotal moment in Indian history. Speaking at the special screening in Delhi, Madhavan expressed that this film stands out as his proudest work among the many historical films he has been fortunate to be part of, many of which tell significant stories about India’s past.
Madhavan emphasised the film’s powerful message, as per IANS he told, "I just think they should see the film, the message is very, very loud and clear, we are a very proud country with very proud people, the days of taking an Indian for granted and thinking of us as weak are gone." He believes that 'Kesari Chapter 2' will make the world recognise the strength and capabilities of Indians, urging viewers globally to witness what India is truly capable of achieving.
The special screening event was attended by several notable figures, including Akshay Kumar, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, and Minister Anurag Thakur, highlighting the film’s importance and relevance in contemporary discourse
Ananya Panday shines as a fierce lawyer alongside Akshay Kumar in 'Kesari Chapter 2' BTS pictures
Ananya Panday will be seen in a brand-new role in Karan Singh Tyagi's 'Kesari Chapter 2', where she plays the character of lawyer Dilreet Gill. Ahead of the film’s release, Ananya shared some exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from the set, giving fans a sneak peek at her performance alongside Akshay Kumar.
On her Instagram, Ananya posted a series of never-before-seen pictures, showing her in courtroom scenes as well as moments from the Jallianwala Bagh sequence. In one of the photos, Ananya stands tall beside Akshay, both looking strong and determined in their roles. In the caption, she wrote, “#KesariChapter2 is in cinemas TOMORROW! Book your tickets ????????????????????????????????.” Fans flooded the post with heart emojis, excited for the film’s release.
The response to early bookings has been positive, and many fans, including celebrities, have shown their support. Suhana Khan commented “Done” while Tamannaah Bhatia wrote, “Looks superbbbb???????????? All the very best ❤️❤️❤️”.
Akshay Kumar wants the British crown to watch 'Kesari Chapter 2' and face the truth
Actor Akshay Kumar has said he hopes the British government and King Charles will watch his upcoming film, 'Kesari Chapter 2', and understand the historical wrongs done during British rule in India. Speaking at a press conference, Akshay shared, “I'm not here with a begging bowl to say, ‘They should say sorry’. I want them to at least watch this movie and realise the mistake. Other things will flow automatically from their mouth. The apology is bound to happen, it will flow on its own. But I want them to watch this film. I want the British government and King Charles to watch this film. They should see what happened. The rest will follow automatically."
'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh' is a historical courtroom drama directed by Karan Singh Tyagi. It follows the story of Justice C. Sankaran Nair, a brave lawyer who stood up to the British Empire after the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where hundreds of unarmed Indians were killed by British soldiers in Amritsar. The film is a spiritual sequel to the 2019 film 'Kesari'.
'Kesari Chapter 2': An intense glimpse into Akshay Kumar’s courtroom saga
The trailer for 'Kesari Chapter 2' was released on Thursday, April 3, setting the stage for a gripping courtroom drama centred on the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of April 13, 1919. The film stars Akshay Kumar as Sankaran Nair, a determined lawyer who challenges the British Empire for committing what he calls a “genocide” in Amritsar, where over 1,650 people lost their lives.
In the trailer, Akshay Kumar’s character confronts General Dyer, the officer responsible for the massacre, who falsely defends his actions by claiming the crowd was armed and dangerous. Sankaran Nair powerfully retorts, “What weapons did you see in the hands of eight-month-old babies? Their kadas? Or their clenched fists?” This intense exchange also features R. Madhavan as Neville McKinley, the British Empire’s representative in the trial.
The narrative weaves through themes of pain, injustice, and an unwavering fight for truth and justice. The film promises a compelling portrayal of courage against imperial oppression, highlighting a lesser-known but crucial chapter in India’s struggle for freedom. The trailer provides a heartwrenching glimpse into the intense struggle for justice, setting the tone for what audiences can expect before watching the film.
Akshay Kumar returns to the big screen with 'Kesari Chapter 2', a compelling historical courtroom drama directed by Karan Singh Tyagi. The film has hit the cinemas today on April 18, 2025, and it revisits the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, focusing on the legal battle led by C. Sankaran Nair against the British Empire. This spiritual sequel to the 2019 film 'Kesari' is based on the book 'The Case That Shook The Empire' by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat.
'Kesari Chapter 2’: Overview, Cast and Characters
Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, 'Kesari Chapter 2' centers on C. Sankaran Nair, portrayed by Akshay Kumar, a fearless barrister who challenged the British Raj in court to expose the truth behind the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. R. Madhavan plays Neville McKinley, Nair's opposing counsel, while Ananya Panday takes on the role of Dilreet Gill. The cast also includes Regina Cassandra as Palat Kunhimalu Amma, Simon Paisley Day as General Reginald Dyer, and Alexx O'Nell as Lord Chelmsford. The film's narrative sheds light on Nair's unwavering commitment to justice and his efforts to hold the British accountable for their actions.
'Kesari Chapter 2’ Trailer
The trailer for ‘Kesari Chapter 2’, which dropped earlier this month, offered a powerful and emotional look at the courtroom drama led by Akshay’s character. It opened with haunting visuals of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, showing the terrible destruction and the impact it had across India. Akshay’s C. Sankaran Nair, can be seen questioning the British Empire. One key moment in the trailer shows him challenging General Dyer, the man responsible for the massacre. Dyer claims the crowd was full of armed terrorists, but Sankaran Nair hits back, “What weapons did you see in the hands of eight-month-old babies? Their kadas? Or their clenched fists?” This bold exchange takes place in court as he faces off against R Madhavan’s character, Neville McKinley, the British Empire’s lawyer. The trailer promises a moving story of truth, justice, and standing up against brutal colonial power and a emotional glimpse of what the film has to offer.
'Kesari Chapter 2’ Special screening
Ahead of its release, a special screening was held on April 15, 2025, at a theatre in Chanakyapuri, Delhi. The event was attended by prominent political figures and dignitaries. Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan personally welcomed the guests. During the event, Akshay expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for acknowledging the film saying, "I am grateful and happy that he (PM Narendra Modi) knows about the movie from the beginning and acknowledged it. That's very kind of him, and it's happened just when the movie is releasing."
Box Office prospects
The film has garnered significant attention, with advance bookings reflecting strong interest. According to Sacnilk, 'Kesari Chapter 2' sold over 50,000 tickets across 4,494 shows across India, earning Rs 1.84 crore in advance sales. Including blocked seats, the total advance booking collection stands at Rs 3 crore.