Kesari 2: A Cinematic Tribute to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Exploring the Legacy of Jallianwala Bagh in Kesari 2

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre stands as a poignant reminder of the suffering and trauma that can echo through generations. This tragic event, emblematic of colonial brutality, is the focal point of the upcoming film Kesari 2, produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and Akshay Kumar's Cape of Good Hope.

During a promotional event in Amritsar, the film's cast, featuring Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, discussed their roles.

Akshay, portraying a character inspired by Sir C Sankaran Nair, a prominent lawyer and nationalist, expressed a personal connection to the story. He shared, “My grandfather lived in Katra Ahluwalia and witnessed the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Growing up, I heard tales of the martyrs from my father. Telling the story of a man who challenged the British Empire through legal means feels like a full-circle moment for me,” he remarked, visibly moved.

Kesar 2 narrates the journey of Sir C Sankaran Nair, a civil rights champion during India's struggle for independence, based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire by his great-grandson Raghu Palat. Akshay noted, “This film sheds light on a forgotten chapter of history. Many are unaware of the case Nair pursued against the British to reveal the broader conspiracy behind the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy.” In response to recent comments by Caroline O Dawyer, the great-granddaughter of General O Dawyer, who referred to the crowd at Jallianwala Bagh on April 13, 1919, as 'looters' in a documentary, Akshay stated, “One day, the British will apologize for the events of 1919.”

‘I regret not knowing about Sir Nair’

R Madhavan, a talented actor, plays a lawyer who opposes Akshay's character in this intense courtroom drama. He admitted that he was initially hesitant to join the cast. “When Akshay invited me, I had no idea who C Sankaran Nair was or the significance of his case against the British. This film has been an enlightening experience for me,” he shared.

Madhavan also highlighted an intriguing aspect of his role: “I’m from South India, portraying a North Indian character, while Akshay, a North Indian, plays a South Indian role. This diversity is the beauty of our film industry.”

“Jallianwala Bagh holds deep significance for Punjabis”

Joining the Kesari 2 team were music icons Gurdas Mann and Gurpreet Ghuggi, who Akshay credited for enhancing the film's essence. Ghuggi emphasized the importance of revisiting the narratives of the Jallianwala Bagh martyrs, stating, “Aside from a few names, history has largely overlooked the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. We must revive their stories and keep the spirit of Jallianwala Bagh alive, connecting the youth through cinematic storytelling.”

Alongside Akshay, he also unveiled a new song from the film, Kithe Gya Tu Saiyan, a heartfelt prayer reflecting the loss and despair when Jallianwala Bagh became a site of tragedy.

Gurdas Mann, the guest of honor, referred to Jallianwala Bagh as ‘shaheedan, mureedan di dharti’ (the land of martyrs and disciples of nationalism). Singer B Praak performed Mitti, a powerful hit from Kesari, emphasizing the importance of sharing these stories of unsung heroes with the younger generation.