PremiumKaran Johar on Kesari Chapter 2: 'This film is not Khushi, nor Gham—it is Gussa'
Kesari Chapter 2 follows Sankaran Nair’s legal battle against the British after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Starring Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, and R. Madhavan, it releases on April 18, 2025.
Last Updated: 01.44 PM, Apr 03, 2025
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh producer Karan Johar gave a moving speech at the recent trailer premiere event in Delhi, reflecting on the film's historical importance.
Film that demands an apology from the British Empire
He stated, "In memory of those lives that were lost; in memory of those wounds that are still raw; in memory of the sadness that engulfs Jallianwala Bagh, even today. This film is not a homage. It's not an honour. It is yet a film that asks the British Empire for an apology through the brave narrative of Sankaran Nair. This film is about the battle fought by Sankaran Nair versus the Crown. Kesari: Chapter 2 is neither Khushi nor Gham but Gussa."
Focussing on Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair's valiant legal struggle against the British Raj, Kesari Chapter 2 explores the aftermath of the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. Akshay Kumar brings the character of Nair to life, telling the tale of a man who fought for justice by daring to oppose colonial rule. R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday are also prominent characters in the film.
Akshay Kumar as Sankaran Nair and his fight against Colonel Dyer
In this film, Akshay portrays Sankaran Nair's unwavering will as he boldly confronts Colonel Reginald Dyer, the British officer responsible for the horrific 1919 massacre that claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent people. As seen in the trailer, Ananya portrays Dilreet Gill, a fierce female barrister who fights alongside Nair for justice. Meanwhile, the riveting preview praised the character of Neville McKinley, played by Madhavan, as a smart strategist.
Produced by Leo Media Collective, Cape of Good Films, and Dharma Productions, Kesari Chapter 2 is directed by Karan Singh Tyagi. On April 18, 2025, coinciding with Good Friday, the film will hit theatres. The strategic release date highlights its historical importance and philosophical depth.
Sequel in spirit to Kesari
It was deliberate to refer to the film as a sequel to the 2019 smash success Kesari to highlight the shared themes between the two stories. Although the original Kesari focused on the Battle of Saragarhi, this chapter seeks to illuminate an additional critical juncture in India's fight for freedom. The emotional action film Kesari was based on the pre-Independence era sacrifice of Sikhs. There are significant differences between the 2019 film and the C Sankaran Nair drama, which takes place in a courtroom. But the producers thought Kesari Chapter 2 was a worthy title, as it features Akshay and also discusses the heroic Sikh community's resistance to the British.
Beyond its cinematic merits, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh aspires to provoke contemplation of past wrongs and the ongoing struggle for responsibility. The film seeks to connect with modern audiences by highlighting the sacrifices made for justice and freedom via Sankaran Nair's rebellious stance.