The recently released historical courtroom drama, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, has garnered attention from audiences and critics alike. Among those who have shared their views is actor Gajraj Rao, who took to social media to express his admiration for the film, particularly highlighting Ananya Panday's performance.
According to reports, Gajraj Rao watched Kesari Chapter 2 in a theater that was approximately 70% full. He conveyed his excitement about experiencing the film in a lively cinema setting. In his review, Rao lauded the film's "extraordinary screenplay packed with sharp, powerful dialogues." He also acknowledged the cinematography, production design, editing, and music, noting that these elements strongly supported the film's narrative.
In terms of acting, Gajraj Rao considered Akshay Kumar's portrayal in Kesari Chapter 2 to be among his finest performances. He specifically praised Kumar's ability to deliver a compelling performance with minimal dialogue, especially in the first half of the film. He further added that Kumar's acting during the climax was particularly moving.
Regarding R. Madhavan, Gajraj Rao remarked that the actor "proved that some actors don't just age, they evolve—smoothly, steadily, and with impact." He emphasized Madhavan's impactful presence and evolution as an actor.
Notably, Gajraj Rao also focused on Ananya Panday's performance. He wrote, "Do diggaj kalakaron ke beech Ananya Pandey, kahin bhi kamzor nazar nahi aatin. Unka abhinay bahut ummeed jagata hai," which translates to "Amidst two brilliant actors, Ananya Panday never appears weak at any point. Her acting instills great hope." Rao's commendation suggests that Panday held her own alongside seasoned actors like Kumar and Madhavan, leaving a positive impression. He also commended the supporting actors for their outstanding performances, stating they all did "exceptionally well."
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, was released on April 18, 2025, coinciding with the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film delves into the events surrounding the massacre and the subsequent legal battle led by C. Sankaran Nair, a lawyer and statesman portrayed by Akshay Kumar, against the British Empire to uncover the truth. The movie is based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. The film also stars R. Madhavan as Adv. Neville McKinley and Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill.
