At ‘Kesari Chapter 2’ Press Conference, Akshay Kumar Says, “Only a Fool Would...”
On Friday, April 11, a press conference was held in Mumbai for the much-anticipated Bollywood film ‘Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh’, starring Akshay Kumar
On Friday, April 11, a press conference was held in Mumbai for the much-anticipated Bollywood film ‘Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh’, starring Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, and R. Madhavan. Alongside the star-studded cast, the event also saw the presence of Dharma Productions' head and filmmaker Karan Johar, and the film’s director Karan Singh Tyagi.
Talking about the look of the stars during the trailer launch event—Akshay Kumar looked dapper in a blue western-style suit, while Ananya Panday made heads turn in a saffron-colored saree. Her traditional look was widely appreciated. Filmmaker Karan Johar appeared in a sleek black suit.
Karan Johar Reacts Sharply
During the press conference, a journalist mentioned a viral video of General Dyer’s great-granddaughter in which she claimed that Dyer “loved India” and “had compassion.” Reacting to this, Karan Johar didn’t hold back.
“I don't want to weigh my words or give a diplomatic answer,” he said. “What that woman said was absolutely shameful and condemnable. How dare she? She called those innocent people ‘looters’? Those were common people gathered for a sacred festival like Baisakhi. They came with hope, and look what was done to them.”
He continued, “General Dyer himself admitted he didn’t stop firing until the bullets ran out. And now this woman says he had love in his heart for India? Compassion? Really? How can someone filled with hate claim to have love in their heart? She’s clearly living in some delusional world. I don’t know her, I’ve never met her, and I don’t wish to. What she said fills me with rage on a very human level.”
Karan added, “My blood boiled when I saw that video. The sheer insensitivity towards one of the most horrific massacres in history is infuriating. Her cold detachment only fuels my anger more. She owes an apology—not just to India, but to humanity.”
Prince Charles and Dyer’s Family Should Watch This -Akshay Kumar
During the same event, Akshay Kumar said, “I’m not necessarily demanding an apology from the British, but I do want Prince Charles and Dyer’s descendants to watch this film.”
He then shared the emotional reason behind taking on the project. “When I first read the script of Kesari Chapter 2, it didn’t feel like just another film. It was the tale of a man who stood up to the British Empire in pursuit of justice. Playing this role is an honor for me.”
Akshay got emotional while talking about his family connection to the freedom movement. “My grandfather was a freedom fighter, and while reading this story, memories of him came flooding back. This film is close to my heart—not just because of its history, but because it’s part of our legacy,” he said. He also revealed that his grandfather was deeply affected by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Ananya Panday
Actress Ananya Panday shared her perspective, saying, “In school, we were barely taught anything about this incident. But reading the script taught me so much about Jallianwala Bagh and the truth behind it.”
Media Round: “Only a Fool Would Criticize These Films”
During the media interaction, a journalist asked Akshay Kumar how he feels when fellow actors from the industry criticize his choice of films. His reply was clear-cut:
“Only a fool would criticize films like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Padman, Airlift, or Sky Force. I’ve made these films with my heart. They are not just movies, they are stories that inform and inspire.”
When reminded that veteran actress Jaya Bachchan had criticized Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, calling it an unworthy title, Akshay smiled and responded calmly, “If she said it, I’m sure she had her reasons. She must be right. But I still don’t think making that film was a mistake.”
To give context, in a recent interview, Jaya Bachchan had reportedly said, “Look at the title—Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. Is that even a proper name for a film? I’d never watch something like that.” She even asked an audience whether they’d see such a film, and when only a few hands went up, she said, “Flop film!”
About the Film
Kesari Chapter 2 is a courtroom drama based on a pivotal but lesser-known legal battle in Indian history. It follows C. Sankaran Nair, portrayed by Akshay Kumar, who took a bold stand against the British government after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Ananya Panday will be seen playing the role of a young lawyer named Dilreet Gill. The film is slated for release in theatres on April 18, 2025.
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