Kesari Chapter 2 honest movie review in English
Kesari Chapter 2 – Movie Review
Language: Hindi
Genre: Historical War Drama
Director: Anurag Singh
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parineeti Chopra
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Introduction
After the powerful success of Kesari in 2019, a movie that paid tribute to the brave 21 Sikh soldiers of the Battle of Saragarhi, fans always wondered if there could be a second chapter. While the original film ended with a tragic but heroic sacrifice, Kesari Chapter 2 comes as a spiritual sequel, not continuing the same story, but inspired by similar real-life bravery shown by Indian soldiers in a different war, in a different land.
In this imagined version of Kesari Chapter 2, director Anurag Singh returns with actor Akshay Kumar to present a lesser-known chapter from Indian military history during World War I, when Indian soldiers were sent to fight under the British flag in the deserts of Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The film attempts to capture the same emotion, heroism, and sense of duty that made the first film unforgettable.
Storyline
The film begins in 1915, when the British Indian Army is stretched across many global fronts. We are introduced to Subedar Amarjeet Singh (Akshay Kumar), a brave and disciplined officer serving in the Lahore Regiment. Amarjeet is the fictional great-nephew of Havildar Ishar Singh, the hero of the first film.
He and his battalion are deployed to the Middle East during World War I, where British forces are fighting the Ottoman Empire. Their mission is to protect a key fort near the Tigris River which controls access to major oil routes. What starts as a routine deployment turns into a dangerous standoff as thousands of enemy troops surround the fort, cutting them off from supplies and reinforcements.
Amarjeet and his small battalion of 30 Sikh soldiers are left to defend the fort against nearly 3,000 enemy fighters, much like the Saragarhi battle from history. The story focuses on bravery, sacrifice, and the mental battle between duty to the empire and loyalty to one’s own people and pride.
Performances
Akshay Kumar once again gives a passionate and intense performance. His portrayal of Amarjeet Singh is not just of a soldier, but a leader, a mentor, and a human being facing moral and emotional dilemmas. His character feels more mature than in Kesari, and the emotional depth is stronger.
Prithviraj Sukumaran, who plays Captain Farooq Khan, a Muslim officer fighting alongside Amarjeet, is equally powerful in his role. His bond with Akshay’s character adds a layer of communal unity and shared struggle. Their on-screen friendship becomes one of the most emotional parts of the film.
Parineeti Chopra, though in a smaller role as Amarjeet’s wife, delivers a graceful performance. Her letters from home provide emotional context and show the pain and strength of those waiting behind.
Direction and Writing
Director Anurag Singh succeeds in creating a grand, emotional, and intense war drama that pays tribute to forgotten Indian heroes. Though the story is fictional, it is grounded in historical reality. The screenplay is gripping, especially in the second half when the siege begins.
The dialogues are sharp and inspiring without being overly dramatic. Some memorable lines include:
- “History may forget us, but our blood will speak forever.”
- “We fight not for the empire, but for the honour we carry in our turbans.”
Cinematography and Visuals
The cinematography is excellent. The desert landscapes of Jordan and Rajasthan (where most scenes were shot) look stunning on screen. The battle sequences are intense and realistic, with hand-to-hand combat, trench warfare, and firebombs giving an authentic World War I feel.
The use of color to show emotion—golden tones for brotherhood, red for sacrifice—is subtle and effective.
Music and Background Score
The music by Arko and background score by Julius Packiam enhance the emotional impact. Songs like “Sarfarosh” and “Maati Ki Kasam” stay with you even after the movie ends. The background score during the final 30 minutes elevates the drama and captures the tension of a last stand.
Positives
- Akshay Kumar’s powerful performance
- Emotional and inspiring storyline
- Strong supporting cast
- Realistic action and visuals
- Patriotism without jingoism
Negatives
- Predictable plot for those who have seen Kesari
- Some side characters feel underdeveloped
- First half is slightly slow
Final Verdict
Kesari Chapter 2 is not just a war movie—it’s a tribute to forgotten soldiers, a celebration of unity, and a reminder of how Indians have fought with unmatched courage, even in wars not their own. Though fictional, the emotions feel real. The film touches the heart, especially in its final moments, as Amarjeet and his men sing “Vande Mataram” before charging into battle one last time.
It may not match the raw impact of Kesari, but it earns its place as a worthy spiritual sequel.
Best Movie Review Rating: 4/5 – A must-watch for lovers of patriotic cinema and Indian history.