"Don’t miss the first 10 minutes": Akshay Kumar urges fans to give Kesari Chapter 2 their full attention

The much-anticipated historical drama Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh released in theatres today. 

Starring Akshay Kumar , R Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, the film delves into the legal battle following one of the darkest chapters in Indian history — the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of April 13, 1919.

Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Karan Johar under Dharma Productions, the film is based on the acclaimed book The Case that Shook the Empire by Raghu and Pushpa Palat. 

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The narrative focuses on the courtroom showdown between C. Sankaran Nair — a fearless Indian lawyer and former president of the Indian National Congress — and Sir Michael O’Dwyer, the then lieutenant governor of Punjab and a key figure implicated in the massacre.

A Story Rooted in Truth

Akshay Kumar essays the role of C. Sankaran Nair, who publicly held O’Dwyer responsible for the atrocities committed under the orders of Acting Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer. In his controversial book Gandhi and Anarchy, Nair openly criticized British rule and the massacre, leading to a defamation lawsuit filed by O’Dwyer in the King's Bench Court in England in 1922. Though Nair lost the legal battle, the case became a landmark moment, exposing colonial brutality to the global stage.

Speaking at a special screening ahead of the release, Akshay Kumar made an emotional appeal to audiences. “When you come to watch this film, don’t miss the beginning. The first 10 minutes are the most important,” he told the media. “This film has not come late — it has come at the right time.”

At another screening in Delhi, Kumar urged viewers to stay off their phones during the film. “It will be a humiliation for the film if people are checking Instagram during the movie,” he said. “Please listen to every dialogue — it will mean a lot.”

Historical Context and Global Response

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, carried out on April 13, 1919, saw British troops open fire on thousands of unarmed civilians gathered in Amritsar. Official figures reported 379 deaths, but independent estimates suggest over 1,000 people may have been killed or wounded. The massacre marked a turning point in India’s independence movement and international perception of British colonial rule.

In recent years, calls for a formal apology have intensified. British Conservative MP Bob Blackman recently addressed the House of Commons, urging the UK government to offer an official apology. “This was one of the most brutal acts of repression during British colonial rule,” he said. “It left lasting scars and must be formally acknowledged.”

A Film Meant for Reflection

Director Karan Singh Tyagi stirred debate ahead of the release with comments on a recent documentary featuring General Dyer’s great-granddaughter, who allegedly defended her ancestor's actions by calling the victims “looters.” Tyagi condemned the perspective, calling it “deeply disturbing” and a reminder of the importance of preserving historical truth.

Also Read: Kesari 2: Meet CS Nair, the powerful lawyer Akshay Kumar is portraying

Ananya Panday , who plays a key supporting role, said the film was “an eye-opener” and expressed hope that young audiences would connect with the story’s emotional and historical gravity. R Madhavan, portraying a fellow barrister supporting Nair, praised the script’s authenticity: “It’s more than a film — it’s a document of resistance.”