Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is in full swing promoting his upcoming historical courtroom drama Kesari Chapter 2, the much-anticipated follow-up to his 2019 hit Kesari. On April 15, the actor attended a special premiere of the film in New Delhi, an event that saw the presence of several political leaders, dignitaries, and prominent names from the entertainment industry. As the excitement builds ahead of its theatrical release on April 18, Akshay used the occasion not only to speak about the significance of the film but also to make a heartfelt appeal to audiences across the country.

Speaking to the media during the premiere, Akshay urged moviegoers to approach Kesari Chapter 2 with the seriousness it deserves. “I humbly request you all to please keep your phones in your pockets and listen to every dialogue of this film. It will mean a lot,” the actor said. “If you try to check your Instagram during the movie, it will be a humiliation for the film. So I request everyone to keep their phones away.”

The actor’s message underscores the weight of the subject matter tackled in the film. Kesari Chapter 2 dives deep into a lesser-known but immensely important chapter of Indian history. Akshay takes on the role of Advocate Chettur Sankaran Nair, a towering figure in India’s legal and political history who took on the British Raj in court in the aftermath of the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. The massacre, in which hundreds of peaceful Indian protestors were gunned down by British troops under General Reginald Dyer, remains one of the darkest stains on British colonial rule in India.

The film is based on the acclaimed book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, which chronicles the landmark legal battle initiated by Sankaran Nair against the British establishment. By choosing to center the narrative on Nair’s courtroom crusade, Kesari Chapter 2 shifts the spotlight from physical resistance to intellectual and legal rebellion, providing a unique and powerful perspective on India’s freedom struggle.

Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the film promises to blend riveting drama with historical authenticity. Alongside Akshay, the ensemble cast features an impressive lineup of talent. R. Madhavan portrays Advocate Neville McKinley, a prominent British lawyer opposing Nair in court. Ananya Panday plays the fictional journalist Dilreet Gill, a character inspired by several real-life Indian revolutionaries who used the press as a weapon. Regina Cassandra appears as Palat Kunhimalu Amma, Nair’s wife and a formidable figure in her own right. British actors Simon Paisley Day and Alexx O’Nell take on the roles of General Reginald Dyer and Lord Chelmsford, respectively—the key architects of colonial oppression during that time. The supporting cast includes seasoned performers like Amit Sial, Vishak Nair, and Manoj Pahwa, further enriching the film’s dramatic depth.

The buzz around the film intensified with the release of its teaser, which sparked widespread discussion for its bold tone. In one particularly talked-about moment, Akshay’s character uses the f-word while confronting the British, a moment that drew both praise and curiosity from audiences. Addressing the choice of language during the trailer launch event, Akshay explained, “Yes, I have used that word. But what is interesting is that the judge tells my character he is still a slave (to the British Empire). Was that not a bigger gaali (curse)? I think there cannot be a bigger profanity than that.”

His remark highlights the film’s central theme—the deep psychological and national humiliation suffered under colonial rule. Kesari Chapter 2 does not merely dwell on historical facts but challenges viewers to reflect on the enduring impact of oppression, justice, and the value of standing up for the truth, no matter the cost.

Akshay’s portrayal of Sankaran Nair marks a departure from the physical heroism he displayed in Kesari, where he played Havildar Ishar Singh, the valiant soldier who led 21 Sikh soldiers against an army of 10,000 Afghans in the Battle of Saragarhi. While Kesari Chapter 2 is not a direct sequel in terms of story, it continues the thematic legacy of valor—this time not on the battlefield, but in the courtroom.

The film also arrives at a time when historical cinema is gaining renewed traction in India. Audiences are showing increased interest in stories that go beyond textbook narratives, and Kesari Chapter 2 promises to meet that demand with both intensity and intellect. The courtroom setting offers a fertile backdrop for high-stakes drama, sharp exchanges, and emotional revelations, all while staying anchored in the realities of British-ruled India.

At the Delhi premiere, Akshay also emphasized how important it is for today’s generation to understand India’s forgotten heroes and their contributions to the country’s freedom movement. “There are so many stories that remain untold. Advocate Sankaran Nair is one of them. This film is not just entertainment—it’s a lesson in history, in courage, and in the power of truth,” he said.

With its star power, powerful storyline, and national relevance, Kesari Chapter 2 is shaping up to be more than just another historical drama. It is poised to provoke thought, stir emotions, and perhaps even ignite a sense of patriotism in its viewers. As Akshay Kumar rightly points out, it deserves undivided attention. In an era of constant digital distraction, his plea to audiences serves as a timely reminder: some stories deserve to be watched—not just seen.