Ahead of Kesari: Chapter 2 release, look at films and series that captured the pain of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
As Kesari: Chapter 2 nears release, we look at films and shows that have depicted the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, keeping its memory alive through stories of grief, resistance, and justice.
Last Updated: 08.44 PM, Apr 17, 2025
Coming up on April 18, 2025, post the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, it's fitting to look back at films and TV shows that depicted this crucial event in India's fight for independence as Kesari: Chapter 2 prepares for its theatrical debut. These cinematic works explore the tragedy, its aftermath, and its impact on the nation's collective memory.
These films and series shed light on the lasting impact of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. Ensuring that the memories of those who suffered continue to connect with contemporary audiences, they give different views, ranging from personal tales of grief to bigger political storylines.
Films and series depicting the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Gandhi (1982) – Streaming on: JioHotstar
The horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre is shown in the Oscar-winning movie by Richard Attenborough. Pictured here are General Dyer's troops opening fire on defenceless citizens; the scene is among the most graphic depictions of the catastrophe ever shown on film.
Jallian Wala Bagh (1977) – Available on: YouTube
Balraj Tah's film focuses on the events leading up to and following the massacre. The film, which features Vinod Khanna and Parikshat Sahni, provides a moving account of the tragedy and its effects on the people of India.
Shaheed Udham Singh (2000) – Available on: YouTube
This earlier cinematic take on Udham Singh's life delves into his motivations stemming from the massacre. It presents the event as a catalyst for his eventual act of vengeance against the British establishment.
Ajay Devgn's portrayal of Bhagat Singh includes an intense scene in which a young Bhagat Singh observes the carnage, sparking his revolutionary zeal. The film highlights how the tragedy inspired young Indians to become part of the independence cause.
Rang De Basanti (2006) - Streaming on: Netflix
Despite not being a historical film, Rang De Basanti employs a meta-narrative in which contemporary Indian youths play the roles of historical revolutionaries such as Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad. In a moving documentary, the tragedy is reenacted, from past trauma to modern political awakening and activism. The atrocity takes on fresh significance due to the blending of historical events with the present.
Phillauri (2017) – Streaming on: JioHotstar
A fantasy romance at heart, Phillauri alludes to the massacre in a flashback scene. The sequence emphasises the human losses suffered during that period, adding a historical dimension to the narrative.
Sardar Udham (2021) – Streaming on: Prime Video
In the biopic directed by Shoojit Sircar, Vicky Kaushal plays the role of Udham Singh, the man responsible for the massacre's aftermath—the assassination of Michael O'Dwyer. The film depicts the terror and its impact on Singh through a lengthy, graphic depiction of the massacre.
This web series, directed by Ram Madhvani, examines the circumstances surrounding the tragedy in its six episodes. Using the perspective of a made-up Hunter Commission member, it delves into the racial and political issues of the time.
Kesari: Chapter 2 (2025) – Releasing in Theatres on: April 18, 2025
Justice C. Sankaran Nair, played by Akshay Kumar, is the protagonist of this courtroom drama, which serves as a spiritual sequel to Kesari (2019). To get justice for the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh atrocity, the film follows Nair as she fights the British Raj in court. The film explores colonial India's political complexities and the fight for accountability.
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