Kesari Chapter 2 Faces Criticism for Historical Inaccuracies in Courtroom Drama

The much-anticipated sequel, Kesari Chapter 2, directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, dives into a pivotal moment in Indian history—the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. While the film has garnered considerable attention for its portrayal of events surrounding this tragic incident and the subsequent courtroom drama, it has also sparked debate regarding its accuracy and representation of historical facts. If the first half-hour of the film was filled with musical choices that provoked a critique of the generic and overly dramatic, subsequent scenes took creative liberties that forced audiences to wonder just how much fiction was woven into the narrative. At the heart of the film is Shankaran Nair, played by Akshay Kumar, a prominent Malayali lawyer who took a stand against the British Raj. Despite the potentials for historical depth, the film reportedly fails to mirror the true complexity of Nair's struggle, instead opting for dramatic courtroom sequences that merge disparate historical events into a single narrative arc. This fusion of the Hunter Commission hearings and the defamation suit filed by Nair against Michael O’Dwyer, the then governor of Punjab, poses the question of authenticity. Critics have noted that instead of presenting a factual historical account, Kesari Chapter 2 offers a 'wishful fantasy' that detracts from the significance of the real events and their implications. The dialogue and courtroom scenes are reportedly scripted to evoke sensationalism rather than thoughtfulness, undermining the tragic depth of the source material. The film's reliance on spectacle rather than substance reflects a troubling trend in historical dramas, where the desire for dramatization can often distort the realities of the past. Furthermore, the film's performance dynamics, particularly Ananya Panday's portrayal of Dilreet Gill and R. Madhavan's Neville McKinley, received mixed reviews, with caution raised against how their characters could divert attention from historical truths to personal narratives of ambition. Despite promising openings at the box office, it raises concerns about how historical films should balance creative storytelling with responsible representation. Overall, while Kesari Chapter 2 attempts to engage viewers with potent themes of justice and national pride, it risks trivializing a moment of profound sorrow in Indian history by prioritizing entertainment over credibility. Those interested in authentic representation of historical narratives may find the film lacking, while audiences looking for dramatization may appreciate its bold approach.