If you thought Akshay Kumar had hung up his patriotic boots after the original Kesari, think again. He’s back, and this time, he’s swapped the battlefield for the courtroom in Kesari Chapter 2, a film that dares to turn history’s darkest hour into a war of words, wits, and unwavering willpower. Welcome to Drunken Tailor—where we stitch together the facts, the fun, and a little bit of sarcasm, all for your cinematic pleasure.
Cast, Crew & Release Details: The Warriors of the Courtroom
- Akshay Kumar as C. Sankaran Nair, the unsung legal lion who takes on the might of the British Empire.
- R. Madhavan as Neville McKinley, the British lawyer (with a creative twist, because Bollywood loves its liberties).
- Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill, the fiery young advocate.
- Director: Karan Singh Tyagi.
- Release Date: April 18, 2025.
- Budget: ₹150 crore (with Akshay reportedly pocketing ₹60 crore plus ₹10 crore for his entourage—because why not?)
- Production & Distribution: Dharma Productions, with digital rights snapped up by Jio-Hotstar for ₹105 crore and music/satellite rights by Zee for ₹30 crore.
Plot: From Guns to Gavels – The Untold Sequel
Forget the trenches and the turbaned warriors of the first Kesari. This time, the action unfolds in the hallowed halls of justice. Kesari Chapter 2 pivots from the battlefield heroics of 2019’s hit to the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film draws inspiration from The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, focusing on C. Sankaran Nair’s audacious legal crusade against General Dyer, the architect of the massacre.
The film’s courtroom drama is as intense as any battle scene, with Akshay Kumar’s Nair refusing to bow to colonial arrogance. R. Madhavan’s McKinley (a fictionalized character, because Bollywood can’t resist a little masala) and Ananya Panday’s Gill add spark and substance to the proceedings. The screenplay is tight, especially in the last 15 minutes, and the cinematography and background score elevate the drama.
Day-Wise Box Office Collection: The Numbers Don’t Lie (But Sometimes They Cry)
- Day 1 (Good Friday): ₹7.5 crore
- Screens: 1,700 (a modest rollout for such a big-budget film)
- Occupancy: 20% across 3,753 shows
Despite positive reviews, the opening was underwhelming compared to the original Kesari—just one-third of its predecessor’s debut. But hey, at least it outperformed recent flops. The film’s break-even point is pegged at ₹85 crore, thanks to lucrative digital and satellite deals.
Critics’ Verdict: Stirring, Subtle, and Surprisingly Sincere
- Box Office Worldwide: 4/5 (Critics), 3.5/5 (Box Office)
- 123Telugu: Praises the gripping narrative, powerful performances, and meticulous blending of history with courtroom drama. Minor gripes about pacing and underutilization of Madhavan, but overall, a win for fans of serious cinema.
What Critics Loved:
- Akshay Kumar’s return to form—emotional depth, no jingoistic chest-thumping
- R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday’s solid supporting acts.
- The film’s refusal to dumb down history, instead choosing nuance over noise.
What Critics Didn’t:
- A slow-burn start that tests your patience.
- Some creative liberties with historical characters (cue the Reddit debates)
Fan Reactions: Passion, Petitions, and a Pinch of Pessimism
Reddit and social media are abuzz, with fans lauding the film’s tight screenplay and Akshay’s “great performance”. Many appreciated the impactful last act and the film’s refusal to resort to melodrama. However, some history buffs took issue with the creative liberties—especially the invention of Madhavan’s character, which sparked passionate debates about historical accuracy and artistic freedom.
Others bemoaned the lack of promotion and the audience’s apathy toward content-driven cinema, urging Bollywood to support quality over quantity. There’s a sense of frustration that, despite its merits, Kesari Chapter 2 isn’t getting the box office love it deserves.
The Drunken Tailor’s Take: Should You Watch Kesari Chapter 2?
If you’re expecting another chest-thumping, flag-waving Akshay Kumar extravaganza, you might be in for a surprise. Kesari Chapter 2 is a mature, reflective, and powerfully acted film that trades bullets for barristers and delivers a punch where it hurts—the conscience.
It’s not perfect: the pacing could be tighter, and the creative liberties might irk purists. But the film’s heart is in the right place, and Akshay Kumar proves he’s still got the chops when the script demands more than just slow-motion walks.
So, should you watch it? Absolutely—especially if you’re tired of formulaic fare and want a film that respects your intelligence (and doesn’t insult your history teacher).
Final Rating: 4/5
Kesari Chapter 2 is a rare Bollywood sequel that dares to be different. It’s a courtroom drama with real stakes, a historical retelling with emotional heft, and—most importantly—a reminder that sometimes, the pen (or in this case, the gavel) is mightier than the sword.
Bottom line: If you want to see Akshay Kumar in a role that demands more than just flexing his biceps, give Kesari Chapter 2 a shot. You might just find yourself applauding in the courtroom—err, cinema hall.
