A powerful historical drama that resonates across borders, ‘Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh’ takes a bold step in continuing the legacy of the 2019 film, ‘Kesari’ but with a refreshingly different lens.
Set in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919, this installment steps away from battlefields and enters into courtrooms, shedding light on an important yet often overlooked chapter of India’s fight for justice under British rule.
Akshay Kumar portrays the role of Sir C Sankaran Nair with quiet intensity and gravitas. His performance is layered -measured but passionate, showing a man who dares to take on an empire not with weapons, but with the law. R Madhavan brings strong opposition as the British Indian advocate, Neville McKinley, creating a charged courtroom dynamic that forms the core of the film. Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill surprises in a grounded, sincere performance, depicting a character that reflects both vulnerability and resolve.
Simon Paisley Day delivers a powerful performance as General Dyer, capturing the cold and commanding presence of the officer behind the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
Under Dharma Productions, director Karan Singh Tyagi crafts a courtroom drama that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally stirring. The screenplay, based on real historical accounts, is tight and purposeful, avoiding unnecessary dramatisation.
Instead, it leans into the tension of the legal process, the stakes of justice, and the moral courage of those who dared to speak truth to power. The dialogues are impactful without being preachy, and moments of silence are used just as effectively as words.
Visually, the film maintains an earthy, muted tone, capturing the mood of a post-tragedy India trying to reclaim its voice – subtle yet haunting, and the use of archival-like imagery adds a layer of authenticity that grounds the narrative.
The music of ‘Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh’ is composed by Rohit Sharma. The soundtrack blends the melodies with powerful orchestration, capturing the emotional gravity of the historical events. The music plays a crucial role in enhancing the film’s intense and patriotic atmosphere.
What makes ‘Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh’ stand out is its focus on a different kind of heroism – the kind found in courtrooms, debates, and dissent. It is respectful of history and careful not to sensationalise, which is key given the sensitive nature of the events it portrays. Yet, it doesn’t hold back from showing the emotional impact of colonial brutality and the courage it took to challenge it.
For international viewers, the film offers a gripping insight into a part of colonial history that had global reverberations. It tells a deeply Indian story in a universally relatable way – speaking truth no matter the opposition.
Balanced, bold, and moving, ‘Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh’ is a worthy successor and an important film that reminds us that battles for freedom are fought in many forms – and sometimes, the pen truly is mightier than the sword.
BizAsia Rating: 4/5
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