Karan Johar’s upcoming historical drama, Kesari Chapter 2, is generating buzz as the filmmaker confidently declares it one of the best films his team has made. Set to release on April 18, 2025, the film stars Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, and R. Madhavan, and delves into the untold story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre—a pivotal moment in India’s fight for independence.
In a recent interview with film critic Komal Nahta on the show Game Changers, Karan Johar shared his excitement about the film, calling it a major milestone in his career. The film is reportedly titled Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh and is based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. The narrative centers around the legal battle fought by C. Sankaran Nair, an Indian barrister, against the British Empire after the 1919 massacre in Amritsar, where British forces opened fire on unarmed Indian civilians.
Why Karan Johar Calls Kesari Chapter 2 One of His Best?
Karan Johar, who is producing the film under his Dharma Productions banner, expressed his pride in the project. He says that ‘this is one of the best films I’ve ever made, and I’m so proud of it.’ The film, which marks the directorial debut of Karan Tyagi, is expected to resonate with audiences for its powerful portrayal of the massacre and the fight for justice that followed. Karan Johar believes that it will make a strong impact on viewers.
The film’s star cast includes Akshay Kumar, who plays the role of C. Sankaran Nair. The ensemble also features Ananya Panday and R. Madhavan, who play key supporting roles. Karan Johar’s high praise for the film indicates his belief in its potential to connect with audiences both in India and internationally.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre remains one of the most tragic and defining moments in India’s colonial history. In 1919, Colonel Reginald Dyer ordered the firing of British troops on a peaceful gathering of unarmed Indian civilians, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Dyer defended his actions, claiming they were in self-defense—a claim that C. Sankaran Nair vehemently contested. Nair, a prominent lawyer, fought a legal battle to expose the massacre as an act of genocide, challenging the British Empire in the courts.
Kesar Chapter 2 aims to shine a light on Nair’s courageous fight, offering a fresh perspective on this dark chapter of Indian history. Karan Johar’s enthusiasm for the project reflects his belief in the importance of telling such important stories through powerful and meaningful cinema. “I can’t wait for the audience to watch it,” he said, emphasizing the emotional and historical weight of the film.
A Star-Studded Project with High Expectations
Kesar Chapter 2 has garnered attention not just for its historical importance but also due to its star-studded cast. Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair is expected to be a standout performance in his career, while Ananya Panday and R. Madhavan bring their own expertise to the project. The film is backed by Dharma Productions, Cape Of Good Films, and Leo Media Collective, ensuring a widespread release and significant visibility.
With its release date set for April 18, 2025, Kesari Chapter 2 is poised to be one of the most anticipated films of the year. Karan Johar’s belief in the film’s potential, combined with its powerful subject matter and impressive cast, has set high expectations for its success. The film promises to be a major contribution to Indian cinema, offering a poignant retelling of a tragic historical event while celebrating the courage of those who fought for justice.