When news broke that Akshay Kumar was returning to the big screen in Kesari Chapter 2—a spiritual successor to his 2019 hit Kesari—fans braced themselves for another powerful and emotionally resonant tale. Adding to the buzz was the inclusion of R. Madhavan in a pivotal role, promising a gripping courtroom showdown. But what truly stirred online chatter was the casting of Ananya Panday as lawyer Dilreet Gill, a decision that sparked mixed reactions.
While social media was quick to question her suitability for such a heavy role, critics and audiences were pleasantly surprised after the film’s release. Ananya’s performance as the determined lawyer earned her praise from many, even as internet trolls continued their skepticism. Now, the film’s director, Karan Singh Tyagi, has stepped forward to share why he stood by his casting choice.
In a recent interview with Filmfare, Tyagi revealed that it was Ananya’s performance in Shakun Batra’s Gehraiyaan (2022) that first caught his attention. “I was moved by her sensitive acting in that movie,” he said. “She has a vulnerability that felt genuine, but also a quiet strength—qualities that were crucial for playing Dilreet Gill.”
The role required immense preparation, and Ananya reportedly threw herself into it. “She worked very hard,” Tyagi explained. “She trained extensively in dialects for over a year, shadowed a real female lawyer, and spent time at the Bombay High Court observing actual court proceedings. What you see on screen is a product of that dedication.”
Despite ongoing online criticism, Tyagi remains unfazed. “With folded hands, I accept all feedback,” he said humbly, “but I believe Ananya did a fantastic job. It’s a challenging role, and she’s pulled it off beautifully.”
Set against the backdrop of the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Kesari Chapter 2 is inspired by the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. Akshay Kumar plays advocate C. Sankaran Nair, who bravely takes on the British Crown and General Reginald Dyer in a historic lawsuit for genocide. Backed by Ananya’s character, he goes head-to-head with R. Madhavan’s powerful adversary in a gripping courtroom drama that has struck a chord with viewers.
Post-release, the film has garnered rave reviews—especially for Akshay’s compelling performance, with fans already calling for him to be honored with a National Award.
So—have you watched Kesari Chapter 2 yet?
