In a significant moment for the Hindi film industry, Akshay Kumar’s latest release, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, has made a remarkable entrance into the prestigious IMDb Top 250 Indian movies list. The film, released on 18th April 2025, is currently ranked at number 244 on the list, cementing its place among the highly rated Indian films of all time. With an impressive user rating of 8.3 out of 10 on IMDb, this courtroom drama starring Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan has captured the attention of critics and audiences alike.
Kabir Singh Tyagi’s direction brings to life an important chapter in Indian history through Kesari Chapter 2, which follows the story of C. Sankaran Nair, portrayed by Akshay Kumar, a fearless barrister who stood up against the British Empire following the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919. As one of the few films from 2025 to break into the IMDb Top 250, Kesari Chapter 2’s reception has reignited pride in Bollywood, especially at a time when critics had claimed the industry was losing its reputation for creating impactful cinema.
Kumar’s lead role as C. Sankaran Nair carries the emotional weight of seeking justice for the victims of a historical tragedy, setting him on a courageous legal journey to hold the British authorities accountable. The narrative, adapted from the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, unfolds with a sense of urgency as it blends powerful storytelling and real-life events. In addition to Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan, the cast includes Ananya Panday, Regina Cassandra, Simon Paisley Day, and Amit Sial, each contributing depth to the film’s portrayal of complex characters.
Kesari Chapter 2 is noteworthy as it is the only Indian film released in 2025 currently featured on the IMDb Top 250 Indian movies list, highlighting its distinct impact and audience admiration. Reflecting on the broader cinematic landscape, other films in the list’s top ranks include Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Gol Maal, Kamal Haasan’s Nayakan and Anbe Sivam, and Satyajit Ray’s The World of Apu. This context underscores the significance of Akshay Kumar’s involvement in a film that stands alongside some of the nation’s most acclaimed works.
The film’s entry into the highly regarded IMDb Top 250 has been met with enthusiasm from Indian cinephiles and critics, who view the accomplishment as affirmation that well-made, thoughtful films continue to find recognition.
one critic observed in early reviews, adding to the chorus of praise for both the production and Akshay Kumar’s performance.
Following its strong theatrical presence, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is set to make its digital premiere on the Jio Hotstar OTT platform, though the specific release date remains unannounced. As anticipation builds for its online debut, the film’s milestone achievement signals a renewed confidence in Bollywood’s creative potential, led by artists like Akshay Kumar who continue to earn respect and admiration on a national and global stage.
Moving forward, industry observers expect Akshay Kumar’s Kesari Chapter 2 to inspire further investment in historically significant and thoughtfully crafted Indian cinema. The film’s journey underlines the lasting importance of stories rooted in real events, reinforcing Bollywood’s ability to reach audiences far beyond traditional boundaries.
