Kesari Chapter 2 ending explained: Did Akshay Kumar's Sir C. Sankaran Nair defeat the British with the law?

Kesari Chapter 2 shifts its focus from the graphic horrors of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre to the far more unsettling aftermath - the suppression, silence, and manipulation of justice. The film, which has been playing in theatres since April 18, 2025, is now available to watch on JioHotstar starting June 13, 2025. Rather than ending in a bloodbath, the film concludes with a legal tactic that alters the narrative surrounding colonial responsibility.

Crown loyalist turned revolutionary

The film is basically a legal thriller, and Akshay Kumar plays the lead role of Sir C. Sankaran Nair, a famous Crown barrister who reluctantly becomes a revolutionary. Beginning the film as a devoted British subject, Nair undergoes a metamorphosis after being confronted with a young boy named Pargat Singh, whose family is murdered in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and whose revolutionary father was incarcerated as a result of Nair's legal arguments.

The massacre represents a pivotal moment for Nair. Despite his membership on the British-formed investigation committee, he quickly realises that it is all a ruse. General Dyer shows no remorse, underreports the number of casualties, and no soldiers suffered harm. That disappointment motivates Nair to take action.

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Assembling the legal team for justice

Ananya Panday plays the role of a young lawyer named Dilreet Gill, who Nair enlists to assist her in suing Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer. To foil this plot, the British enlist the help of a tarnished Anglo-Indian barrister named Neville McKinley, played by R. Madhavan, who has a grudge against Nair.

As the tension builds in the courtroom, punches fly from both sides. The British attempt to denigrate the demonstrators by labelling them as thugs and rapists. A prominent witness, a British educator, falsely accuses her Indian student of rape. The connection was voluntary, and the rape charge was an attempt to hide the reality from society, but Dilreet gets to the bottom of it.

Dyer’s justification and legal deadlock

Dyer admits that he gave the order to begin fire without provocation. However, he asserts that we must take all necessary measures to prevent a potential rebellion. The absence of "solid evidence" leads to Dyer's acquittal, even if his attorneys present compelling arguments. The case appears destined for failure.

At this point in the film, the most unexpected development takes place. Disbarment proceedings await Nair following his tantrum in court and barrage of profanities. But this was actually his last, well-planned legal option.

Final hearing

At this hearing, Nair reintroduces evidence from the first trial using a little-known clause. He presents fresh evidence, including affidavits, witnesses (including a British soldier), and documents that reveal Dyer's plot and the jury's manipulation.

It accomplishes its goal as Dyer was found guilty of genocide at the hearing. After Nair and Dilreet's victory, the Indian audience in the courtroom bursts into cheers. Taking advantage of the situation, Nair denounces the British administration and demands that they leave India.

The aftermath

Text cards summarise the practical effects at the end of the film: Dyer faced demotion and eventually became a forgotten figure many years later. Michael O'Dwyer, who was Dyer's ally and the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab at the time, was assassinated in 1940 by the historical figure Sardar Udham Singh, whose life story was depicted in the biopic Sardar Udham starring Vicky Kaushal.

Less about seeking vengeance and more about finding one's voice and justice inside a broken system is the message of Kesari Chapter 2's ending. While the court's victory won't instantly resolve the issue (Dyer might have received less punishment previously), Nair's strategy leverages the colonial laws intended to oppress Indians to reverse the situation. 

This is how the film reimagines Jallianwala Bagh: as a place of tragedy and a catalyst for lawful defiance of authority.