As the countdown to its theatrical release begins, Kesari Chapter 2 has officially been awarded an ‘A’ certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Starring Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, and R. Madhavan, the film is now cleared for release with a runtime of 135 minutes and 6 seconds, just over two hours and fifteen minutes.
The CBFC website indicates that the film was certified on April 9, 2025. The ‘A’ rating suggests that Kesari Chapter 2 may feature intense and potentially graphic depictions, as it delves into one of India’s most turbulent historical events — the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Anticipation for the Courtroom Drama
This courtroom drama has already generated excitement with its bold narrative and powerful performances. Akshay Kumar stars as C. Sankaran Nair, the brave lawyer who challenged the British Empire following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Ananya Panday portrays Dilreet Gill, while R. Madhavan takes on the role of Neville Mckinley. Simon Paisley Day plays General Reginald Dyer, the officer responsible for the tragic events at Jallianwala Bagh.
Earlier today, Akshay Kumar shared a striking poster on Instagram, showcasing himself in elaborate Kathakali attire, captured mid-performance. He accompanied the image with the caption, “This is not a costume. It’s a symbol — of tradition, of resistance, of truth, of my nation. C. Sankaran Nair didn’t fight with a weapon. He fought the British Empire with the law — and with fire in his soul.”He also noted, “This 18th APRIL, we bring you the court trial they never taught in textbooks.”
Behind the Film
Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is inspired by the book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. The film is produced by a dynamic team that includes Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Amritpal Singh Bindra, and Anand Tiwari.
