Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh—starring Akshay Kumar as the resolute barrister C. Sankaran Nair and R. Madhavan as Neville McKinley—is officially hitting OTT. After a theatrical debut on 18 April 2025, the historical courtroom drama will begin streaming exclusively on JioHotstar from 13 June 2025.
In This Aritcle:
From Silver Screen to Streaming: The Transition
Following its theatrical release, the film enjoyed a solid run with box office earnings around ₹142–144 cr, including over ₹45 cr in India alone and a ₹29 cr opening weekend. It earned a milestone 50-day theatrical run. The OTT debut, approximately eight weeks post-theatrical release, follows traditional release windows and aims to reach a wider, digitally savvy audience .
The Plot: A Legal Crusade for Justice
Set in the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the story chronicles C. Sankaran Nair’s courageous legal battle in a London courtroom. Tasked initially with investigating the massacre, he discovers General Dyer’s brutality and decides to challenge the British Crown in court, charging them with genocide. Nair is supported by young lawyer Dilreet Gill (Ananya Panday) as he presents suppressed evidence and navigates a biased legal framework. The tense showdown with British counsel Neville McKinley (R. Madhavan) pushes forward the emotional and moral stakes.
Although the verdict fails to deliver justice, the courtroom revelations spark global awareness and ignite patriotic fervor—making the film a symbolic milestone in India’s freedom narrative.
Cast & Crew: Powerhouse Ensemble
- Akshay Kumar: Portrays C. Sankaran Nair with restraint and conviction
- R. Madhavan: As the morally complex British counsel, his performance dives into colonial tensions
- Ananya Panday: Plays the passionate law student Dilreet Gill—praised for her dialect coaching and grounded performance
- Supporting cast includes Regina Cassandra, Simon Paisley Day, Alexx O’Nell, Amit Sial, Mark Bennington, among others
Production was helmed by director Karan Singh Tyagi and backed by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films. The screenplay draws from Raghu & Pushpa Palat’s book The Case That Shook The Empire .
Critical Response & Box Office Performance
The film received a mix of critical praise and moderate commercial success. The Times of India awarded it 3/5, calling it emotionally gripping with powerful performances. Box office net figures include ₹92.6 cr domestically and a total global gross nearing ₹145 cr. While not a runaway blockbuster, the film’s thematic resonance earned acclaim, especially for spotlighting a lesser-known freedom struggle chapter.
Why This OTT Release Matters
- Accessibility: Coming to JioHotstar brings the film to a nationwide audience, making it easier for history buffs and casual viewers alike.
- Timely Remembrance: Streaming near the anniversary of the massacre makes this a timely reflection on India’s colonial legacy.
- Star Power: The film’s strong cast and production pedigree ensure visibility and engagement, amplifying its educational and dramatic value.
Audience Takeaways: What to Expect on 13 June
- A visceral courtroom battle that blends legal strategy with patriotic conviction.
- Emotional performances: Kumar’s stoic Nair, Madhavan’s conflicted McKinley, and Panday’s spirited Gill.
- A historical deep-dive: Delving beyond the massacre, the film examines legal ethics, media manipulation, and suppressed truths under colonial rule.
- Engaging production: From period-accurate sets to measured pacing, it leans on court drama rather than high-octane action.
Looking Ahead: The Kesari Franchise
The 2025 film is a spiritual sequel to the 2019 film Kesari, pivoting from battlefield heroism to ideological salvation. Moreover, Akshay Kumar recently confirmed a Kesari Chapter 3 focusing on Sikh General Hari Singh Nalwa, continuing the franchise’s exploration of Indian valor and leadership.
Final Verdict
With its 13 June OTT release on JioHotstar, Kesari Chapter 2 invites viewers to revisit an emotionally charged, courtroom-centered saga of resistance and truth. While its theatrical run showed the film’s moderate box office and solid reviews, its digital arrival signals a broader cultural impact—bringing an essential chapter of India’s freedom struggle into living rooms across the country.
For viewers interested in legal drama, historical insight, or compelling performances, this film is a must-watch. And for those yet to see it in cinemas, the digital debut is the perfect second chance.
By – Sonali