Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh 
Director - Karan Singh Tyagi 
Cast - Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, Ananya Panday, Regina Cassandra, Simon Paisley Day, Alexx O'Nell, Amit Sial, Masaba Gupta, Steven Hartley, Krish Rao 
Duration – 135
 
There are films that entertain, there are films that inform, and then there are films like Kesari Chapter 2—the kind that shakes you, stirs you, and stays with you long after you’ve left the theatre. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, this sequel to Kesari isn’t just a continuation of a story; it’s an excavation of a buried wound in India's colonial history—the Jallianwala Bagh massacre—and a bold cinematic attempt to give it the voice and justice it was denied.
 
Set in the aftermath of that horrifying day, Kesari Chapter 2 chooses not to sensationalize the violence but to channel it into a courtroom thriller that’s as intense as it is necessary. The narrative is gripping from the first frame, weaving history, emotion, and national trauma into a script that’s both razor-sharp and deeply human. Tyagi’s direction is unflinching—he doesn’t let the audience look away. But more impressively, he doesn’t rely on spectacle. The real power of the film lies in its restraint and the emotional truth it holds up to the light.
 
Leading the charge is Akshay Kumar in what might be one of his most powerful and mature performances yet. Gone is the swagger and heroism we’re used to—here, he brings a quiet storm to his role, a righteous rage that simmers beneath the surface until it explodes in a climactic courtroom scene that’s bound to be remembered. Opposite him is R. Madhavan, who continues his streak of nuanced, unforgettable performances. His character is complex, and Madhavan walks the fine line between sympathy and suspicion with masterful precision. Simon Paisley Day, as the ruthless General Dyer, delivers a cold and calculated performance that makes your skin crawl—exactly what the role demands.
 
Surprisingly, Ananya Panday turns in a performance that feels grounded and honest, a departure from her earlier, more glamorous roles. Regina Cassandra and Amit Sial, though in smaller roles, make their presence felt with quiet strength, while young Krish Rao is a revelation—his emotional scenes cut deep.
 
Technically, the film excels on almost every front. The background score is haunting, swelling at just the right moments to elevate tension or deepen sorrow. The cinematography captures the bleakness of colonial India with stark, poetic visuals—especially during the recreation of the massacre, which is filmed with such haunting clarity that it becomes more than a scene; it’s a reckoning. Dialogues are crisp, purposeful, and loaded with emotion and historical weight. You’ll find yourself holding your breath during several of the courtroom exchanges, not just because of the drama but because of the truths being laid bare.
 
If there’s one aspect that might hold the film back for some viewers, it’s the use of English in a few key scenes. While contextually accurate, it may feel distancing for sections of the audience who prefer a fully Hindi narrative. That said, it’s a minor flaw in what is otherwise a compelling, deeply respectful retelling of a critical moment in India’s past.
 
Kesari Chapter 2 is more than a film—it’s a cinematic act of remembrance. It doesn’t aim to entertain as much as it seeks to awaken. And in doing so, it honors the sacrifice of those who stood defiant in the face of unthinkable cruelty. It’s not just worth watching—it’s essential viewing. A story like this, told with such conviction and care, deserves nothing less.