The much-anticipated sequel, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, attempts to dramatize one of the most significant events in Indian history—the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the subsequent legal battle against General Reginald Dyer. While the film is mounted with impressive flair, showcasing the bravery of Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair’s fight for justice, it ultimately falls short of capturing the nuanced complexities of the era and its heroes.

A Star Miscast: Akshay Kumar as Sankaran Nair

Akshay Kumar, undoubtedly a major draw for audiences, takes on the role of the Malayali lawyer-statesman Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair. While his dedication and star power are apparent, his casting feels fundamentally misaligned with the character. The film tells us that Sankaran Nair was proficient in kalaripayattu and Kathakali; however, Kumar’s performance lacks the depth and cultural authenticity to convincingly portray this multifaceted historical figure. The film does not delve into the richness of Nair’s identity or the intricacies of the cultural aspects that shaped him.

Surface-Level History without Depth

The screenplay, crafted by first-time director Karan Singh Tyagi and co-writer Amritpal Singh Bindra, opts for a focus on courtroom drama at the expense of a broader historical context. While the film does touch upon the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, it largely glosses over the granularities of the freedom struggle and the role of Sankaran Nair within it. Instead, we see a rather simplistic narrative arc, where a man who appears content to serve the British finds his patriotism only after being spurred by personal tragedy. This transformation, while significant, unfolds with a predictability that diminishes the film’s overall impact.

A Missed Opportunity for Nuance

Despite the promise of riveting courtroom battles and emotional stakes, Kesari Chapter 2 often feels sluggish and monotonous. The character development is scant, lacking the depth that could have made the audience truly invested in Sankaran Nair’s journey. A promising subplot involving a young survivor of the massacre, Pargat Singh, offers a glimpse of the film’s potential depth—yet, these moments of friction are far too rare.

While the film bravely attempts to draw parallels with contemporary political realities, these references remain superficial and do not evolve the narrative. When Sankaran Nair asserts that the court exists not to distinguish right from wrong but merely to determine victory or defeat, it echoes with current-day relevance. However, this thematic weight is quickly forgotten amid the predictability of the court drama that ensues.

Supporting Cast Underutilized

R. Madhavan’s introduction as the disillusioned advocate Neville Mckinley provides a much-needed jolt to the narrative, and he delivers a strong performance that contrasts well with Kumar’s character. Sadly, the writing never allows Madhavan to truly upstage the lead, reserving him as a secondary player in an otherwise one-dimensional narrative. Ananya Panday, though she has a meaningful role as a rookie lawyer inspired by Nair, is ultimately boxed into a subplot that never allows her character to gain the prominence it deserves.

Final Thoughts: A Film that Falls Short

In its aspiration to tell a grand story of courage against oppression, Kesari Chapter 2 ultimately ends up as a star vehicle that prioritizes spectacle over substance. Akshay Kumar gives it his all, channeling the gravitas expected of a historical drama, yet the film’s superficial approach to both history and character development leaves much to be desired.

For audiences seeking an inspiring tale of patriotism and justice, this film offers glimpses of a powerful story, but ultimately fails to deliver the emotional

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