Kesari Chapter 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Kesari, hit the theatres yesterday. And it turned out to be bitter-sweet for the powerful courtroom drama centred on the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

The film seems to have impressed the bulk of the audience going by the gushing online responses. But the film was also reportedly leaked online just hours after its theatrical release.

Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Dharma Productions, the film, adapted from the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, stars Akshay Kumar as Chettur R Sankaran Nair, the spirited barrister who challenged the British Empire in court to expose the truth behind the tragic event. R Madhavan portrays Neville McKinley, the British lawyer opposing Nair, while Ananya Panday plays Dilreet Gill, a young lawyer aiding Nair in his legal battle.

Also Read: Don't Miss The First 10 Mins! Akshay Kumar's Request For Fans on Kesari 2

Reviewers have praised Akshay Kumar's portrayal of Nair as one of his finest performances. Madhavan has also been lauded for playing a complex role with nuance. The audiences are appreciating the film for its focus on a lesser-known chapter of India's freedom struggle. The film's courtroom sequences, which form the backbone of the narrative, have been particularly well-received for their intensity and authenticity. 

But the reported online leak raises concerns about piracy and its potential impact on the film’s  box-office collections. Despite this setback, the film has shown strong signs at the box office, with advance bookings crossing Rs 3 crore and opening day collections expected to be robust.

The film's release also coincides with renewed calls for Britain to formally apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. With strong word-of-mouth and an engaging narrative, the film augurs well for Akshay, who has been enduring a tough run at box-office as his last few films seem to have not done much of note.

Also Read: An Unheralded Story from India's Independence! Kesari Chapter 2 Hopes to Inspire Youngsters