Kesari Chapter 2 was released in theaters on April 18, 2025, and ever since the movie has been buzzing among fans, Bollywood celebrities, critics, and social media influencers. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, Kesari Chapter 2 is the true story of an Indian-origin barrister named C Sankaran Nair and his court battle against the British crown over the infamous Jallianwalabagh Massacre in Amritsar, Punjab. For the unversed, O'Dwyer sued Nair for defamation in England, expecting the English court to side with him.
Talking about characters guide, Akshay Kumar plays the protagonist, C Sankaran Nair R Madhavan plays Adv. Neville McKinley and Ananya Pandey plays Dilreet Gill. Since the movie is based on a true story, fans are digging deep into real-life Adv. Neville McKinley or who was real-life Adv. Neville McKinley played by R Madhavan in the movie. Below is all you need to know-
Who was Adv. Neville McKinley, played by R Madhavan?
R Madhavan plays the character of Adv. Neville McKinley. Adv. Neville McKinley represented the British Crown against C Sankaran Nair. Adv. Neville McKinley was an Anglo Indian Barrister as shown in the movie. However, not much details about real life Adv. Neville McKinley is available in the history books. As a result, Reddit has been filled with discussions over Adv. Neville McKinley.
A Reddit user claimed that "A small Fact about Neville McKinley...he was the First Openly Gay advocate in India...also he was Very Harshly persecuted for being one...His bar license was Renounced...he fought for Gay right for 20 years before succumbing to TB...His statue is in the Kolkatas Famous Richard Garden..." However, True Scoop cannot verify these claims.
Kesari Chapter 2 Real Story: Who was C Sankaran Nair?
Chettur Sankaran Nair was an Indian lawyer and politician who served as the Advocate-General of Madras from 1906 to 1908, as a judge in the Madras High Court from 1908 to 1915, and as a member of the Viceroy's Executive Council from 1915 to 1919. He played a key role in India's struggle for independence.
During the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair was a well-known public figure serving as the only Indian member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council, the highest governing body in British India. Having heard about the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Chettur Sankaran Nair resigned from his post in protest.
It is pertinent to mention here that reports suggest that Nair also fought a high-profile defamation case against the then Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab, Sir Michael O'Dwyer. For those who are unaware, Michael O'Dwyer called Reginald Dyer's action at the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre 'correct'.