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Breaking away from the war-soaked legacy of its predecessor, Kesari Chapter 2 carves its path through the high-stakes world of courtroom drama. Released on April 18, 2025, this Akshay Kumar-led film places its strength in sharp dialogues, layered emotions, and legal confrontations. Let’s evaluate the filmmaking finesse, star appeal, and box office trajectory of the Bollywood historical drama Kesari Chapter 2. Narrative Depth of Kesari Chapter 2 Subtitled ‘The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh,’ this chapter revisits one of colonial India’s darkest hours, seldom explored on screen. Inspired by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat’s The Case That Shook The Empire, the film leans into its charting of familiar territory with dignity rather than daring. Anchored by the tireless resolve of C. Sankaran Nair, it delves deep into his courtroom quest for justice following the brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre. As legal proceedings unmask imperial deceit and media manipulation, Nair’s defiance ignites both a legal and emotional uprising. Read more: Top Pakistani Dramas in 2025 Showcasing Strong Female Leads Filmmaking: Direction and Screenplay in Harmony When storytelling meets sincerity, it leaves a lasting imprint, and this film does just that under the assured vision of Karan Singh Tyagi. His approach isn’t weighed down by the need to sensationalise history but rather to let the gravity of its truth speak for itself. Each frame feels like it was carved with both reverence and restraint. It offers a cinematic experience that balances commercial storytelling with historical depth. Even the few dramatised moments stay rooted in emotional honesty, never tipping into artificiality. What’s especially refreshing is its resistance to the typical post-interval slump; the pacing remains taut and engaging throughout. The dialogues, shaped meticulously by Sumit Saxena, feel less like scripted lines, deliberate truths waiting to strike. Credit also flows to Tyagi and Amritpal Singh Bindra’s subtle strength in co-shaping the screenplay. With this creative collaboration, the drama avoids overblown patriotism, opting instead for quiet, piercing dignity. Read more: May 2025 Bollywood Releases: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Films To Watch Star Cast Led by Akshay Kumar Akshay delivers a performance that transcends his usual action-packed persona. Stepping into the shoes of C. Sankaran Nair, he masterfully portrays the transformation of a British loyalist into a passionate truth-seeker. His ability to channel the inner conflict of a man torn between loyalty and morality introduces a unique depth to his character. Every monologue, carefully crafted and executed, is a moment of defiance and a raw human reaction to the forces of manipulation. In contrast, R. Madhavan, as Neville McKinley, serves as the perfect foil to Akshay’s stoic intensity. His portrayal of an eloquent, somewhat eccentric opposing counsel presents a refined complexity to their courtroom clashes. These verbal duels are poised as ideological battlegrounds, where each word carries the weight of colonial repression and personal belief. Ananya Panday shines as Dilreet Kaur, a co-counsel whose quiet determination adds gravitas to her role. She navigates her character’s legal prowess and personal pain with remarkable maturity. Meanwhile, Regina Cassandra’s portrayal of Nair’s wife, Palat Kunhimalu Amma, anchors much-needed support to Nair's tumultuous journey. Read more: May 2025 Amazon Prime Video Originals Streaming Lineup: Movies, Series, Shows Finally, Simon Paisley Day brings a chilling presence as General Dyer, whose backstory adds a layer of tragic complexity to his villainous role. His portrayal sheds light on the dark psychology driving colonial violence. Visual Brilliance and Score: Production Set, Cinematography, and Music The production design by Rita Ghosh flawlessly brings the pre-Independence era to life. It extends from the bustling streets of Amritsar to the bloodied grounds of Jallianwala Bagh. The colonial courts, the grandeur of the Viceroy’s parties feels genuine yet not overly staged. Every single detail is meticulously crafted to evoke the period’s oppressive atmosphere.  Debojeet Ray’s cinematography, paired with Tyagi's direction, adds a visual depth that enhances the emotional weight of the story. The music elevates the experience further with Shashwat Sachdev’s stirring compositions, like ‘O Shera’ and ‘Kithe Gaya.’ Azeem Dayani’s background score underscores the tension and drama. A poignant moment arrives with the nostalgic revisit of ‘Teri Mitti,’ an emotional callback to the first film, binding the narrative together beautifully. Read more: Sunny Deol's Jaat Movie Review: Is It Worth Watching Box Office Strength and Audience Verdict Bankrolled by the collaborative strength of Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films, the film’s box office journey began with steady momentum. Its opening day pulled in Rs 7.75 crore, which is around BDT 11.02 crore (Rs. 1 = BDT 1.42); a respectable start. The second day witnessed a healthy uplift, recording Rs 9.5 crore (BDT 13.51 crore), 22.58 percent growth from day 1. As of midday on April 20, the third-day earnings stood at Rs. 0.6 crore (BDT 0.8 crore), pushing the total to Rs. 17.85 crore (BDT 25.38 crore). Despite stiff competition from Sunny Deol’s roaring comeback in Jaat, the movie’s hold remains promising. Audience reception shines brightly too, with an IMDB rating of 8.6- a testament to its impact beyond mere numbers. Verdict Kesari Chapter 2 Movie Review reflects a gripping courtroom journey wrapped in patriotic depth and emotional weight. Akshay Kumar’s compelling portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair marks one of his most restrained yet stirring performances. The historical drama arrived with an impressive box office turnout, holding audience attention despite its creatively mixed echoes. A fine blend of storytelling and purpose, Karan Singh’s direction emerges as a dignified sequel worth watching. Read more: 10 Best Films, Documentaries on Palestine That Everyone Should Watch

Bollywood’s cinematic universe has always been a vibrant mosaic of emotions and larger-than-life narratives that echo across generations. As May 2025 approaches, the diverse slate of Hindi film releases covers crime, thrillers, romance, comedy, horror, historical epics, and action-packed sagas. With a mix of celebrated stars and promising new talents gracing the screen, fans are eagerly counting down the premiere days. Here’s the list of most-anticipated Bollywood movies coming in this May. 10 Must-watch Bollywood Films Debuting this May . Raid 2 | Crime Thriller | May 1, 2025 A direct successor to the 2018 movie Raid, this thriller thrives under the direction of Raj Kumar Gupta, who co-wrote the movie with Ritesh Shah, Karan Vyas, and Jaideep Yadav. The narrative sharpens its lens on Amay Patnaik, an Indian Revenue Service officer. His unyielding pursuit of black money has already led to the recovery of over Rs. 4,200 crores. Now, he prepares for his landmark 75th raid, locking horns with Dada Manohar Bhai, a formidable figure entrenched in white-collar crime. Read more: May 2025 Amazon Prime Video Originals Streaming Lineup: Movies, Series, Shows The major cast members are Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor, and Ajay Devgn. The film showcases item songs featuring special cameos by Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Yo Yo Honey Singh. Headlined by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Honey Singh, the soundtrack brings together an ensemble featuring White Noise Collectives, Sachet-Parampara, Rochak Kohli, and Amit Trivedi. Trivedi also orchestrates the background score. The production credit goes to Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak. The Bhootnii | Horror Comedy | May 1, 2025 Initially slated for premiere on April 18, this Sanjay Dutt-fronted action-horror spectacle is now set to make its theatrical debut on May 1. Alongside Dutt, “The Bhootnii” stars Sunny Singh, Mouni Roy, Palak Tiwari, Aasif Khan, Beyounick, and Navneet Malik in crucial roles. Read more: Sunny Deol's Jaat Movie Review: Is It Worth Watching Besides directing and writing the movie, Sidhaant Sachdev contributes to its screenplay along with Vankush Arora. The narrative unwraps with St. Vincent College’s Virgin Tree awakening a love-starved spirit every Valentine’s Day. When Shantanu's wish stirs her obsession, 27 days of eerie love and growing horror unfold. As dread grips the campus, a parapsychicist, Baba, faces a force beyond his lifetime of ghost-hunting. The horror-comedy makes its way to theatres courtesy of producers Deepak Mukut, Hunar Mukut, Sanjay Dutt, and Maanayata Dutt. Costao | Crime Drama | May 1, 2025 This film draws inspiration from the real-life grit of customs officer Costao Fernandes, who, in the 1990s, dismantled Goa’s most entrenched smuggling empire. This crime drama charts Fernandes’ lone-wolf crusade against one of India’s largest gold trafficking syndicates. The directing of Sejal Shah and the writing of Bhavesh Mandalia and Meghna Srivastava elevate the drama. Read more: 10 Best Films, Documentaries on Palestine That Everyone Should Watch Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G., and Davina Colaco portray the main characters. Kamlesh Bhanushali, Vinod Bhanushali, Bhavesh Mandalia, Sejal Shah, Faizuddin Siddiqui, and Shyam Sunder oversee the production. Bhool Chuk Maaf | Comedy Drama | May 9, 2025 Bankrolled by Dinesh Vijan, this joint production of Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios highlights the writing and directing prowess of Karan Sharma. The lead cast consists of Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajkumar Rao, and Seema Pahwa, supported by Sanjay Mishra and Zakir Hussain. The storyline drifts through the narrow places of Varanasi, where the charm of small-town love meets the twists of destiny. Ranjan, a lovestruck dreamer, lands a secure government post to marry his beloved Titli. But as wedding bells near, fate traps him in an inexplicable time loop. Read more: Farewell to ACP Pradyuman: Tribute to Sony TV Crime Drama CID's Legendary Character Abir Gulaal | Romantic Comedy | May 9, 2025 Flourished with Aarti S. Bagdi as the director, this romantic movie headlines actors Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan. The story unfolds as fate entwines the lives of two wounded hearts, each carrying silent scars of their past. Through shared moments of vulnerability, their companionship deepens, slowly blossoming into a love rooted in solace. The supporting cast members are Riddhi Dogra, Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, and Parmeet Sethi. With Amit Trivedi composing the music, this movie is a collaborative production of Vivek B. Agrawal, Avantika Hari, Rakesh Sippy, and Firuzi Khan. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals Releasing in May 2025

Bollywood, a powerhouse of storytelling and spectacle, is set to captivate audiences this March 2025 with an exciting lineup of highly anticipated releases. From action-packed thrillers and spine-chilling horrors to heartwarming musicals and gripping biopics, there’s something for every movie lover. With A-list stars and acclaimed directors leading the charge, these films are already generating major buzz. Here’s a curated look at the top 10 Hindi movies poised to dominate the box office and captivate audiences this March. Top 10 Must-see Hindi Movies Coming this March . The Diplomat | Thriller | March 07, 2025 Starring John Abraham, this intriguing thriller is directed by Shivam Nair and written by Ritesh Shah. At the heart of this gripping narrative lies an Indian diplomat’s relentless quest to bring an Indian girl back home from Pakistan.  Sadia Khateeb, Bhawani Muzamil, Kumud Mishra, Sharib Hashmi, Amitoj Mann, Jagjeet Sandhu, Sehar Shehnaz, and Vidhatri Bandi round out the supporting cast. Read more: Top Amazon Prime Originals to Binge-Watch in March 2025 The cinematic venture unites the production houses- Fortune Films, JA Entertainment, Seeta Films, T-Series, and Wakaoo Films. Hindi Vindi | Musical Drama | March 08, 2025 This musical follows Kabir, a teenage musician caught in a whirlwind of self-discovery as he races against time to compose a song in a language he does not speak. His internal conflict deepens when his Indian grandmother moves to Sydney, confronting him with a cultural and linguistic divide. Besides directing the film, Ali Sayed wrote it with Jayant Sharma and Swarnima Singh. Mihir Ahuja and Neena Gupta led the cast supported by Guy Sebastian, Mathew Swift, Davida Tal, Simran Gulati, and Pranam Janney. Read more: 10 Must-Watch Netflix English Originals Arriving in March 2025 The production credit goes to 24Six Films, Drishya Sharma Productions, and Shah Entertainment Media (Mumbai). Kesari Chapter 2 | Courtroom Drama | March 14, 2025 Also known as ‘The Untold Story of C Sankaran Nair’, this legal drama takes shape under the direction of Karan Singh Tyagi. The writing team includes Amritpal Bindra (Screenplay), Akshat Ghildial(dialogue), Sumit Saxena, and Tyagi. This biographical drama delves into the life of C. Sankaran Nair, a distinguished lawyer and former President of the Indian National Congress. The narrative unravels his unyielding pursuit of truth in exposing the grim reality behind the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Bankrolled by Cape of Good Films, Dharma Productions, and Leo Media Collective, the film stars Akshay Kumar, Madhavan, and Ananya Panday as lead characters. Read more: The Biggest Superhero Movies of 2025: Marvel, DC, and Beyond The additional cast members are Steven Hartley, Mark Bennington, Sammy Jonas Heaney, Krish Rao, and Moumita Pal. Kesari Veer | Historical Action | March 14, 2025 Penned by Kanu Chauhan and Shitiz Srivastava, this historical film boasts Prince Dhiman as the director. Rooted in history, this epic tale brings to life the valor of Hamirji Gohil, a fearless warrior who stood against the formidable Tughlaq Empire. His unwavering resolve to protect the Somnath Temple and uphold Hinduism transforms his story into a saga of sacrifice and unshakable devotion. Produced by Chauhan Studios, this action movie thrives with Sooraj Pancholi, Suniel Shetty, Akanksha Sharma, and Vivek Oberoi as lead actors. Read more: Top 10 most-anticipated Korean dramas releasing in February 2025 Aruna Irani, Barkha Bisht, Kiran Kumar, Meenakshi Chugh, and Vikas Bangar portray the supporting characters. Rai | Crime | March 15, 2025 Directed and written by Ram Gopal Varma, this crime movie features Vivek Oberoi as the titular character, with Karishma Tanna as the female lead. Inspired by real events, this riveting crime drama unpacks the life of Muthappa Rai, a wealthy businessman entangled in allegations of running a criminal empire. The film’s production is spearheaded by RGV Film Company and Eros Worldwide. Read more: February 2025 South Indian Movie Releases: Top 12 Must-Watch Films

Bollywood movies endure due to the irresistible filmmaking and the exciting star-studded casts. Talented characterizations enriched with brilliant acting performances keep viewers eager to watch new films on the screen. Production houses tirelessly aim to introduce their finest contributions. Like every month, August brings new releases in diverse genres ranging from comedy to thriller. Let’s explore the theatrical releases of Bollywood films scheduled for August 2024. 8 Most-hyped Bollywood Movies Premiering This August . Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha | Romantic Thriller | August 2, 2024 Starring Tabu and Ajay Devgn in their tenth film together, this movie's release date has been postponed from 5th July to August. Directed and written by Neeraj Pandey, the movie also stars Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Sheirgill, and Saiee Manjrekar in pivotal roles. This cinematic venture is produced by Shital Bhatia, Sangeeta Ahir, Narendra Hirawat, and Kumar Mangat Pathak. Spanning from 2000 to 2023, the thriller movie intricately portrays a couple's evolving love story, capturing the emotional depths and shifting dynamics over two decades. Krishna, entangled in multiple murders, receives a life sentence, leading to Vasudha's separation and subsequent marriage to Abhijeet. After 22 years, Krishna is pardoned and released, yearning for a final reunion with Vasudha, culminating in a poignant last meeting. Read more: New Shrek film in production, Donkey to get standalone movie: Eddie Murphy reveals The score and soundtrack album of ‘Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha’ were composed by Oscar-winning music director M. M. Keeravani. The Sabarmati Report | Thriller Drama | August 2, 2024 Inspired by true incidents, the thriller film boasts Ranjan Chandel as the director and Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, and Amul V Mohan producing it. The screenplay, based on a story by Aseem Arora, is a collaborative effort by Arjun Bhandegaonkar and Avinash Singh Tomar. The movie vividly depicts the tragic events of the morning of February 27, 2002, on the Sabarmati Express close to Godhra railway station in Gujarat. 'The Sabarmati Report' features compelling performances by Vikrant Massey, Riddhi Dogra, and Raashii Khanna. Read more: Top 10 Bollywood Movies to Watch in July 2024: Thrillers, Dramas, and Comedies Unveiled Ulajh | Spy Thriller | August 2, 2024 Starring Janhvi Kapoor as a young IFS officer, the spy movie delves into the enduring legacy of her family. She becomes ensnared in a perilous personal conspiracy while stationed in a pivotal, distant post far from home. ‘Ulajh’ is directed by Sudhanshu Saria, who also contributed to the screenplay with Parveez Shaikh. Spearheaded by Vineet Jain under Junglee Pictures as producer, the movie also stars Roshan Mathew, Gulshan Devaiah, Adil Hussain, and Rajesh Tailang in supporting roles. Read more: Top 12 South Indian Films Releasing in July 2024 Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba | Romantic Thriller | August 09, 2024 Under the joint production of Colour Yellow Productions and T-Series Films, Jayprad Desai’s directing elevates the movie. It stars Taapsee Pannu, Sunny Kaushal, and Vikrant Massey in key roles, supported by Jimmy Shergill and Aditya Srivastava. Penned by Kanika Dhillon, the film's plot centers on Rani, a paying guest, and Rishu, living under the alias Ravi Varma. The city grapples with a broken barrage, severe floods, and the unexpected presence of crocodiles in the Yamuna River. Amidst this chaos, Rishu and Rani strive to remain unnoticed and plan their escape to a hopeful future. Read more: July 2024 Amazon Prime Originals: Must-Watch Shows, Series, and Movies