‘Kesari Chapter 2’ Movie Review: Akshay Kumar’s Historical Drama Lacks Depth and Accuracy
Bollywood appears to be navigating a turbulent waterway, filled with historical reflections that often spiral into exaggerated narratives. Following the recent fictional escapade of Sunny Deol in Jaat, Akshay Kumar now steps into the spotlight with Kesari Chapter 2, a film that is as much about historical reckoning as it is about cinematic liberties. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, this film attempts to shine a light on the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre but ends up delivering a disjointed narrative fraught with historical inaccuracies and emotional melodrama.
The Historical Setting: A Misguided Journey
While the film’s premise is rooted deeply in history, the execution misses the mark. Kesari Chapter 2 ostensibly aims to depict the fervor and outrage following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a landmark event in the Indian freedom struggle. However, it leans heavily on exaggerated nationalist sentiments to manufacture a hero rather than illuminating the complexities of the historical event itself.
Despite disclaiming itself as fictional, the film chooses to weave real events and characters into a narrative that distorts established history. As a result, glaring inaccuracies emerge, which could confuse even those with a basic understanding of the period.
One of the film’s primary oversights is its failure to adequately distinguish between key historical figures, leading the younger audience—a significant portion of the viewers—to misconstrue vital facts. The distinction between General Reginald Dyer and Lieutenant Governor Michael O’Dwyer becomes muddled in the cinematic retelling, suggesting that context and accuracy take a backseat to chest-thumping nationalism.
Akshay Kumar’s Portrayal: A Hero in Disguise
In this period drama, Akshay Kumar portrays C. Sankaran Nair, an important jurist known for his courage in the wake of the massacre. While Kumar dives into the character with his characteristic passion, the focus on sheer volume of work over quality results in a diluted performance.
His character, Nair, is meant to showcase the struggle against colonial injustices. However, instead of fostering a nuanced depiction of Nair’s political activism, the film resorts to the familiar template of Akshay’s earlier comedic roles, turning legal arguments into theatrical monologues reminiscent of the Jolly LLB franchise. This transformation raises questions about the film’s intention: Are we here to engage with a historical tragedy or merely to enjoy entertaining banter?
Cinematic Misses and Missed Opportunities
The film does attempt to tackle the sensitive subject of colonial brutality, yet it ultimately falls short. Supporting characters, such as Nair’s colleague portrayed by R. Madhavan, contribute to a narrative that lacks clarity and dimension. Madhavan’s performance is repetitive, while Ananya Panday seems merely a decorative addition, showcasing costumes more than substance.
Tyagi’s direction falters as he becomes overly committed to Akshay’s star power rather than crafting a compelling narrative. The film grapples with significant historical context—the Rowlatt Act, the Hunter Commission, and the Hindu-Muslim unity during the events surrounding Ram Navami—but glosses over these pivotal details. It ultimately sacrifices storytelling quality for the thrill of sensationalism.
Conclusion: A Call for Thoughtful Engagement
If you find yourself yearning for an authentic exploration of historical events, you might want to explore Ram Madhvani’s recent OTT series on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which, while also fictionalized, approaches its subject matter with more nuance and depth. Kesari Chapter 2, despite its ambition, serves as a reminder that cinema must balance the act of entertainment with educational integrity.
As we navigate these portrayals of our past, it’s essential to critically engage, separate fact from fiction, and demand more from our narratives.
—— Published on April 18, 2025, at 08:16 PM IST
