Akshay Kumar steps into the shoes of Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair in his latest project, “Kesari 2,” a film that aims to illuminate the legacy of this nationalist and fearless critic of British rule. During a press conference in Mumbai, Akshay Kumar, without naming anyone directly, urged audiences to view the film. He expressed his wish for viewers to recognize and reflect on their historical oversights. “I want them to at least watch this movie and realize their mistake. The other things will flow automatically from their mouth because the apology is bound to happen,” Akshay Kumar said, highlighting the significance of this narrative.
This sentiment arose amidst comments from BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who recently criticized the Congress party for neglecting Sankaran Nair’s contributions, labeling it as another instance of erasing important figures to favor the “Congress dynasty.” Chandrasekhar’s post on X pointed out that Nair, along with other luminaries like Subhash Chandra Bose and Sardar Vallabhai Patel, has been disregarded in historical records.
Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair’s legacy, particularly his resistance against the British authorities, deserves recognition. He emerged as a prominent Indian lawyer and statesman, famously taking a legal stand against Michael O’Dwyer after the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Appointed as president of the Indian National Congress in 1897, Nair’s achievements marked him as a significant figure. However, his contributions have not been consistently acknowledged, as noted by Chandrasekhar, who lamented that “as a Malayalee, I believe that it’s shameful the way he has been neglected in Congress and Kerala’s history.”
Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of Nair comes at a critical time when understanding the nuances of Indian history and acknowledging uncelebrated heroes like Nair is more pertinent than ever. Born in the late 19th century, Nair began his career at the Madras High Court and rose to become the Advocate General, later serving as a permanent judge there until 1915. His resignation in protest following the Jallianwala Bagh incident marked his unyielding dedication to justice.
The film “Kesari 2,” set to release on April 18, captures a key legal battle fought by Nair against O’Dwyer in London’s High Court—a landmark case of defamation following critical comments about the massacre. Akshay Kumar aims to showcase this defining moment to a broader audience, challenging the narrative that has long overshadowed Nair’s remarkable efforts for justice and advocacy.
Akshay Kumar, alongside co-stars R Madhavan and Ananya Panday, brings this impactful story to life, encouraging viewers to revisit these pivotal moments in history. Furthermore, he extends his hopes to international audiences, particularly the British government and even King Charles, to grasp the broader implications of Nair’s story.
As discussions around historical accuracy and recognition evolve, the anticipation surrounding “Kesari 2” grows. This film not only promises a gripping depiction of revolutionary acts but also seeks to stir a dialogue about overlooked figures like Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair. Through powerful storytelling, Akshay Kumar is set to shed light on the past, with the film serving as a medium for reflection and education. This narrative push is expected to resonate widely, compelling audiences to reflect on how history remembers—and sometimes forgets—its heroes.
