This year marks the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and many films, TV shows, and documentaries have effectively covered this subject — from Rang De Basanti (2006) to Sardar Udham (2021).
While considering all that, I still bought the ticket for Kesari 2 after seeing its trailer.
Find out in this Kesari chapter 2 review if the film does justice to its important subject matter.
Synopsis: What Is the Story of Kesari Chapter 2?
Based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu and Pushpa Palat, Kesari Chapter 2 story narrates the historic case fought by C. Sankaran Nair against the British Crown following the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Main Cast and Crew of Kesari 2
The Kesari Chapter 2 cast features a powerhouse ensemble:
- Akshay Kumar as C. Sankaran Nair
- R. Madhavan as opposing counsel Neville McKinley
- Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill
- Mark Bennington in a key supporting role
- Director: Karan Singh Tyagi
- Writers: Karan Singh Tyagi, Amritpal Singh Bindra, and Sumit Saxena (Dialogues)
- Music: Shashwat Sachdev, Kavita Seth, and Kanishk Seth
- Production Companies: Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films
What We Liked About Kesari Chapter 2
Since watching Kesari in 2019 — a film that hit all the right notes and featured one of Akshay Kumar’s strongest performances — I was eager to see how the spiritual successor, Kesari Chapter 2, would compare. Fortunately, it brings several positives worth highlighting.
Akshay Kumar at His Finest in Kesari Chapter 2
Since I saw Kesari in 2019 — a film that hit all the right notes and featured one of Akshay Kumar’s better performances . I had high expectations for this spiritual successor.
Thankfully, Kesari Chapter 2 also has several positives to write about.
Akshay Kumar delivers what could arguably be his defining performance of recent years. His body language, dialogue delivery — from the subtle lines he whispers to the more emotionally charged moments — he doesn’t miss a mark here.
The same praise goes for the rest of the Kesari Chapter 2 cast: R. Madhavan, Ananya Panday, and Mark Bennington all shine in their limited screen time, making every scene memorable.
Film’s Pacing and Screenplay Are Tight
Clocking in at 2 hours 13 minutes, Kesari Chapter 2 maintains a tight script that keeps the audience from getting disengaged.
This shows that director Karan Singh Tyagi, along with writers Amritpal Singh Bindra and Sumit Saxena, understood the assignment.
In an age of lower attention spans, the impactful dialogues and the quick pace ensure that viewers stay hooked from start to finish.
Emotional High Points in Music
Kesari had the unforgettable “Teri Mitti” by B Praak, which roused emotions and gave a heartfelt tribute to the brave freedom fighters.
In Kesari Chapter 2, the same musical soul returns — but it’s used during a scene that is even more heartbreaking and emotionally wrenching.
The music, combined with the performances, ensures that Kesari 2’s story will often revolve around its emotional strength.
What Could Have Been Better in Kesari 2
Based on the box office collections, Kesari Chapter 2 is on track to be a hit with both audiences and critics.
However, there are a few areas where the film could have improved. Here are some aspects we didn’t quite like about Kesari Chapter 2.
Lack of Realism in Some Moments
Like many Bollywood biopics (Kesari Chapter 2 included), realism sometimes takes a backseat to cinematic spectacle.
Some scenes with heavy background music and slow-motion cinematography feel overly dramatic, especially when compared to a more grounded film like Sardar Udham.
Weak Subplots That Distract
A few subplots, such as the rivalry between the two lawyers and a couple of random cameos, seem added mainly to extend the film’s length for a theatrical runtime.
These distractions take away slightly from the otherwise powerful narrative.
Filmy Moment: Why You Shouldn’t Miss the First 5 Minutes
The first 5 minutes of Kesari Chapter 2 are extremely powerful.
While not recommended for younger viewers due to intense visuals, the opening sequence and even the ending credits that leave a deep emotional impact that stays with you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering whether to wait for an OTT release or catch this in theatres, my recommendation is: watch it on the big screen.
The tight screenplay, emotional depth, and impactful performances make Kesari Chapter 2 one of Bollywood’s finer offerings in 2025.
However, due to strong language and graphic scenes, it’s not suitable for very young audiences.