The countdown for the much-awaited movie of the month Kesari Chapter 2 has begun. 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. The movie will hit the theaters on April 18, 2025. Apart from Akshay Kumar, kesari Chapter 2 also features R Madhavan who plays Adv. Neville McKinley and Ananya Pandey who plays Dilreet Gill. Since, the movie is based on a true story, fans are digging deep into real-life Dilreet Gill or who was real life Dilreet Gill played by Ananya Pandey in the movie. Below is all you need to know-
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 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre 'correct'.
Who is Dilreet Gill?
Actress Ananya Pandey plays the character of Dilreet Gill. Dilreet Gill is a journalist, advocate, and activist who supports Nair’s legal battle. While the name suggests that Dilreet Gill was of Punjab origin, the reality behind the character has not been discussed much. True Scoop tried to dig into real-life Dilreet Gill, but could not find much relevant information related to her during Nair's legal battle against the British crown. Hence, the makers may have introduced a fictional character of Dilreet to dramatise the movie. However, True Scoop cannot confirm this since the movie is based on a true story.
It is pertinent to mention here that Ananya Pandey recently extended her gratitude to PM Modi for talking about Kesari Chapter 2 in one of his public rallies.