Introduction In a powerful sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Kesari, Kesari Chapter 2 (2025) returns with Akshay Kumar in a hard-hitting historical courtroom drama. This time, the narrative moves beyond the battlefield, diving into the legal, moral, and social consequences of British colonial atrocities. With intense performances, poignant writing, and a sharp feminist lens, this film marks one of 2025’s most daring cinematic explorations.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Karan Singh Tyagi |
| Written by | Karan Singh Tyagi, Amritpal Singh Bindra, Sumit Saxena (Dialogues) |
| Based on | The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat |
| Produced by | Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Amritpal Singh Bindra, Anand Tiwari |
| Starring | Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, Ananya Panday |
| Narrated by | Vicky Kaushal |
| Cinematography | Debojeet Ray |
| Edited by | Nitin Baid |
| Music by | Shashwat Sachdev, Kavita Seth–Kanishk Seth |
| Production companies | Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, Cape of Good Films |
| Distributed by | Dharma Productions |
| Release date | 18 April 2025 |
| Running time | 135 minutes |
| Language | Hindi |
| Country | India |
| Budget | ₹150 crore |
| Box office | ₹142–144.35 crore |
Kesari Chapter 2 Movie Plot Overview
Plot Overview
Set in the aftermath of the Battle of Saragarhi, the film introduces a fictional narrative where Ishar Singh’s legacy inspires a new revolution—not through weapons, but through the law. Akshay Kumar plays a fierce barrister leading a legal campaign against a brutal British officer responsible for war crimes, including a fictional retelling of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Ananya Panday plays a fearless newspaper editor who documents colonial horrors and becomes a key witness in the trial.
The film’s emotional and legal tension builds around a courtroom battle that seeks justice for those who couldn’t fight back. The court sequences are gritty and dialogue-heavy, much like classics such as A Few Good Men or Rustom, but grounded in a rich Indian historical context.
Direction & Screenplay
Direction & Screenplay
Karan Singh Tyagi makes a remarkable directorial debut, managing to combine historical reverence with courtroom tension. The screenplay, supported by Amritpal Singh Bindra and dialogues by Sumit Saxena, delivers both intellectual and emotional impact. This Akshay Kumar courtroom drama is one of the finest legal scripts seen in recent Bollywood history.
Performance Highlights
- Akshay Kumar delivers one of his most compelling roles in years. As a barrister balancing rage, intellect, and compassion, he adds new layers to the patriotic hero archetype.
- Ananya Panday surprises with maturity in her performance. Her portrayal of an independent woman in a colonial world adds emotional depth and feminist strength to the story.
- R. Madhavan plays a key historical character who represents the conscience of the nation and elevates the film’s gravitas.
- Pankaj Tripathi (as the British public prosecutor) brings a calm menace to his role, making the courtroom scenes electric.
Cinematography & Music
Debojeet Ray’s visuals capture colonial India with raw beauty and haunting realism. The flashback scenes, especially around the fictionalized Jallianwala Bagh moment, are deeply impactful.
Music by Shashwat Sachdev and the duo Kavita Seth–Kanishk Seth complements the narrative beautifully. The track “Shaheedon Ka Faisla” is already being hailed as an anthem.
Social Relevance & Feminist Angle
One of the boldest aspects of Kesari Chapter 2 is its fearless depiction of colonial abuse—not just through violence but systemic oppression. Ananya Panday’s character brings forward the narrative of women’s resistance, documenting stories that would otherwise remain buried.
The film also critiques how justice was systematically denied to the colonized. In doing so, it draws parallels with modern times, asking whether we’ve truly left those legacies behind.
Box Office & Audience Reception
Despite being made on a ₹150 crore budget, the film earned ₹142–144.35 crore, falling slightly short of expectations but still considered a critical success. Released on April 18, 2025, the Kesari Chapter 2 teaser helped build massive anticipation. Viewers appreciated the historical and emotional depth, even if the legal format felt heavy to some.
Final Verdict
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Kesari Chapter 2 proves that patriotism doesn’t always require a sword—it can thrive in words, justice, and truth. With brilliant performances, layered storytelling, and relevant themes, it’s not just a worthy sequel—it’s a necessary one.
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