Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan & Ananya Panday’s C Sankaran biopic titled Kesari 2 – Report

After Prithviraj Chauhan, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is back with another historical drama, as his upcoming film, previously titled Shankara, has now been renamed Kesari Chapter 2, as per sources. The film also stars R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday.

Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan & Ananya Panday get a new title

The film is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, Cape Of Good Films and Leo Media Collective and will be released theatrically on March 14, 2025, coinciding with the Holi festival.

Interestingly, this statement bears a striking resemblance to Kesari (2019), another historical drama supported by Dharma that also premiered on Holi and starred Akshay Kumar in the lead role. The Battle of Saragarhi served as the inspiration for the 2019 movie, but Kesari Chapter 2 explores a completely different historical incident.

As per Bollywood Hungama sources, “Kesari, an emotional action film, was about the sacrifice of Sikhs during the pre-Independence era. C. Sankaran Nair’s film is a courtroom drama and in that regard, it is very different from the 2019 film. However, since it also deals with the brave Sikh community’s contribution and sacrifice against the British and stars Akshay Kumar, the makers felt that Kesari Chapter 2 is an apt title. Coincidentally, just like Kesari, Kesari Chapter 2 also releases on the Festival of Colours.”

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Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, Kesari Chapter 2 chronicles the compelling story of C Sankaran Nair, a renowned lawyer and freedom fighter who took on the British Raj in his relentless pursuit of justice for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre victims. The film is inspired by the book ‘The Case That Shook The Empire’ by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat.

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