By VK 
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh
Release Date-
Scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 18, 2025, coinciding with the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Director-
Karan Singh Tyagi, a lawyer-turned-filmmaker, brings his legal expertise to helm this historical courtroom drama.
Production Houses
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Dharma Productions
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Cape of Good Films
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Leo Media Collective
Source Material
The film is based on the book “The Case That Shook The Empire” by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, which chronicles the legal battle of C. Sankaran Nair against the British Raj following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Plot Overview
Set in the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the narrative centers on C. Sankaran Nair, a prominent Indian lawyer and member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council. Outraged by the British government’s handling of the massacre, Nair resigns from his position and initiates a legal battle to expose the truth and seek justice.
The film delves into the courtroom drama that ensues when Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, sues Nair for defamation. This legal confrontation becomes a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence, highlighting the power of the pen over the sword.
Main Cast
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Akshay Kumar as C. Sankaran Nair
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R. Madhavan as Advocate Neville McKinley
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Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill, a young journalist seeking justice
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Regina Cassandra as Palat Kunhimalu Amma, Nair’s supportive wife
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Simon Paisley Day as General Reginald Dyer, the officer responsible for the massacre
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Alexx O’Nell as Lord Chelmsford, the Viceroy of India
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Steven Hartley as Judge McArdie, presiding over the trial
Music
The soundtrack is composed by Shashwat Sachdev. Notable tracks include:
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“O Shera – Teer Te Taj”: A powerful anthem inspired by the 2020-2021 Indian farmers’ protest song “Teer Te Taj”.
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“Kithe Gaya Tu Saaiyaan”: A soulful melody reflecting the emotional turmoil of the era.
Marketing and Promotion
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Teaser Release: March 24, 2025
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Trailer Launch: April 3, 2025, in Delhi
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Promotional Tagline: “A revolution painted in courage.”
OTT Release
Post its theatrical run, “Kesari Chapter 2” will be available for streaming on JioHotstar.
Future Installments
Actor Akshay Kumar has confirmed that “Kesari Chapter 3” is in development, focusing on the life of Hari Singh Nalwa, the first commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Fauj.