Approach Bollywood Recommends: Kesari Chapter 2 Wins Rave Reviews for Powerful Performances and Gripping Narrative
Mumbai, April 19, 2025 – Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, has hit theaters today and is already earning widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, this historical courtroom drama, a spiritual sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Kesari, dives into the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, shedding light on lawyer C. Sankaran Nair’s courageous legal battle against the British Empire.
Film critic Deepak Dua, in his review on CineYatra, lauded the film’s emotional depth and stellar performances, calling it a “hard-hitting tribute to an untold chapter of India’s freedom struggle.” Dua highlighted Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of Nair as “a masterclass in intensity and vulnerability,” noting that his courtroom scenes are “bound to leave audiences with goosebumps.” He also praised Ananya Panday’s “confident and nuanced” performance as Dilreet Gill and R. Madhavan’s “compelling” turn as advocate Neville McKinley, adding that the film’s meticulous research and evocative storytelling make it a must-watch.
The buzz around Kesari Chapter 2 has been amplified by glowing reviews from Bollywood celebrities and netizens. Vicky Kaushal took to Instagram, describing the film as “an untold story told with grit, sincerity, and sensitivity,” while Urmila Matondkar called it “spectacular” and urged fans not to miss it. On X, users have hailed the film as a “cinematic explosion of patriotism, power, and pride,” with one post raving, “Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan’s performances are outstanding, and the visuals are stunning. A must-watch for every Indian!”
Based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, the film has been praised for its unflinching portrayal of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy and its call for a long-overdue apology from the British government. Critics have also commended Tyagi’s directorial debut for balancing historical accuracy with commercial appeal, with the song Teri Mitti from the original Kesari making a soul-stirring return.
Despite a modest opening day collection of approximately ₹7.5 crore, trade analysts predict strong word-of-mouth will propel the film’s box office performance, especially given its 17.4% occupancy rate and enthusiastic evening show turnout. The film’s patriotic fervor and emotional resonance have struck a chord, with audiences calling it “an education and an emotion” for younger generations.
Kesari Chapter 2 is produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films. With its powerful narrative and stellar cast, the film is poised to be a significant addition to Bollywood’s historical drama genre, reminding viewers of the sacrifices that shaped India’s independence.
