From Aitraaz to Kesari: Chapter 2, Akshay Kumar's powerful legal battles on screen

Released in theatres on April 18, 2025, Akshay Kumar is seen in Kesari: Chapter 2—a courtroom drama about a real-life hero who dared to challenge the British Empire. The courtroom dramas that the actor has acted in throughout the years have been known for his seriousness, charisma, and even heavenly flair. Here are six courtroom dramas in which Akshay was instrumental in the pursuit of justice, frequently questioning established norms and exposing systemic injustices.

Aitraaz (2004) – Watch on: Prime Video, ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium)

Before #MeToo became a global phenomenon, Aitraaz bravely flipped the narrative. An accomplished corporate executive named Raj (Akshay Kumar) has his world turned upside down when his ex-girlfriend (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), in a dramatic performance, accuses him of sexual harassment when he is innocent. Raj and his wife Priya (Kareena Kapoor Khan) battle to establish his innocence in the courtroom sequences, which are intense and riveting. The thriller was revolutionary for its day because it questioned traditional gender roles and power dynamics.

OMG – Oh My God! (2012) - Watch on: JioHotstar

Playing the role of Lord Krishna, Akshay Kumar transforms into a celestial avatar for this comedic courtroom drama. After an earthquake destroys his business and his insurance company rejects his claim, the protagonist, Kanji (Paresh Rawal), an atheist shopkeeper, decides to sue God. Akshay's serene and collected demeanour counters the heated arguments in court about religion, blind faith, and exploitation. It's humorous and spiritual all at once; it's more than just a courtroom drama.

Rustom (2016) – Watch on: ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium)

Rustom uses the real-life K.M. Nanavati case as inspiration for his film, which stars Akshay Kumar as a respected navy commander who turns himself in after murdering his wife's boyfriend. The next step is a nationally televised trial that is both intense and publicised. Akshay's portrayal, despite the delicate balance between patriotism, treachery, and honour, is extremely powerful. He won a national award for his performance, and the film is still considered one of his best legal roles.

Jolly LLB 2 (2017) – Watch on: JioHotstar

Continuing the story of Jolly LLB (starring Arshad Warsi), Akshay portrays the role of Jagdishwar Mishra, better known as Jolly, a struggling small-time lawyer who becomes entangled in a high-profile case of corruption and staged encounters. An emotionally charged, multi-layered performance by Akshay, this film features powerful monologues, courtroom humour, and a fight against societal weaknesses.

OMG 2 (2023) – Watch on: Netflix

This time around, Akshay makes an appearance as the celestial messenger of Lord Shiva, marking a spiritual sequel to OMG. A daring and seldom-explored subject in Indian cinema, sex education in schools is the centre of the film. Pankaj Tripathi plays the role of a father of a young boy who takes the case to court, arguing for educational changes after his son is expelled for an apparently inappropriate deed. The symbolic yet crucial role that Akshay plays gives the courtroom confrontations more weight and a philosophical perspective.

Kesari: Chapter 2—Now in theatres (released on April 18, 2025)

A historical courtroom dramatised by Karan Singh Tyagi, based on the book The Case That Shook the Empire, details the legal struggle that ensued after the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Akshay Kumar portrays the towering figure Justice C. Sankaran Nair, who holds the British responsible for their colonial atrocities. Ananya Panday portrays his co-counsel Dilreet Gill, while R. Madhavan portrays advocate Neville McKinley. This unusual courtroom drama has a huge historical, patriotic, and resistance punch, taking place during the liberation movement.