It is important—indeed, imperative—to remember and revere the lives of nationalists who carved the path of India’s freedom with both intellect and courage. Among such stalwarts was Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, a towering yet under-recognized figure in India’s freedom struggle. The newly released film Kesari Chapter 2, which premiered on 18 April 2025 to mark the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, is a powerful cinematic resurrection of his story—a tale that not only demands remembrance but commands deep reflection.
Directed with conviction and emotional depth, Kesari Chapter 2 serves as a divine sequel to the 2019 film Kesari, and this time, it transports us into the judicial corridors of colonial India, where morality battled might, and a single man stood unshaken against an Empire. Inspired by the book “The Case That Shook the Empireâ€Â by Raghu and Pushpa Palat, the film unfolds the extraordinary life of C. Sankaran Nair—a man of law, letters, and national resolve—who dared to indict the British Crown for the genocide at Amritsar.
In an era when Jallianwala Bagh has become a mere pitstop on the tourist trail, stripped of its original context and diluted in collective memory, this film restores its place as a searing symbol of British brutality and Indian resistance. Through a gripping courtroom drama, the movie recounts Nair’s decision to legally challenge General Reginald Dyer, the architect of the massacre. Assigned to “investigate†the incident with an expected cover-up in mind, Nair instead chose truth over complicity, a choice that led him to sue the British government and Dyer himself.
The narrative is enriched by a supporting cast of compelling characters—Pargat Singh, a fiery young revolutionary, and Dilreet Gill, a bold law student—who accompany Nair in his crusade for justice. On the other side stands Neville McKinley, a bitter Anglo-Indian lawyer fueled by personal vendetta and colonial allegiance, setting the stage for a courtroom clash that transcends mere legalities—it becomes a battle for the soul of a nation.
As a writer and citizen, I cannot help but feel deeply moved by the decision to bring such a monumental yet forgotten chapter of Indian history to the screen. Sir Sankaran Nair’s unwavering stand against the British Raj, his dignified dissent within the Viceroy’s Executive Council, and his fierce critique of imperialism have been masterfully portrayed, reminding us that not all battles are fought with guns—some are fought with words, reason, and moral integrity.
The film is not just a biopic—it is a clarion call to today’s youth. It urges us to seek inspiration not merely from trending hashtags but from the pages of our own past. How many among us, even those moderately aware of India’s freedom struggle, truly knew the legacy of Chettur Sankaran Nair before this film? His contributions were vast—Advocate-General of Madras, puisne justice of the Madras High Court, Education Minister on the Viceroy’s Council, President of the Indian National Congress in 1897, and a relentless proponent of Dominion Status for India.
Born in the illustrious Chettur family of Mankara, Palakkad, Nair’s journey was that of brilliance from the very beginning. From his early education at Kozhikode and Madras to his law degree and judicial appointments, he was a man deeply rooted in both tradition and intellect. His wife, Palat Kunhimalu Amma (Lady Sankaran Nair), stood by his side, and their family continued the legacy of distinction.
His resignation from the Viceroy’s Council in 1919, post the Jallianwala massacre, was not merely symbolic—it was a thunderous statement. Even in retirement, his influence continued, whether through his critique in Gandhi and Anarchy (1922) or his active involvement with the Simon Commission deliberations. When others sought relevance through political convenience, Nair sought it through truth and principle.
To the filmmakers, I offer my deepest respect and admiration. You have not only brought history alive—you have ignited a conscience. In an age where content often panders to escapism, Kesari Chapter 2 dares to educate, elevate, and inspire. It reminds us that behind every Independence Day celebration, there were voices like Nair’s that roared in courtrooms, councils, and conventions, demanding dignity for a nation that had been long denied it.
In conclusion, this film is more than a tribute—it is a torch. A torch passed from one generation to another. Let it burn in our hearts. Let it light the minds of the youth. And let us never again forget the name Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair—the man who took the Empire to court and, with a pen sharper than a sword, struck a blow for Bharat Mata.
Jai Hind.
