Did Shashi Tharoor Suggest That C. Sankaran Nair Would Never Have Used Akshay Kumar's Words in 'Kesari Chapter 2'?

Mumbai, April 27 (NationPress) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor recently viewed Akshay Kumar's latest film, “Kesari Chapter 2,” and commended the movie for its narrative.

Despite his praise, he raised concerns about specific dialogues, asserting that C. Sankaran Nair would never have uttered the words delivered by Akshay's character. After watching the film, Tharoor acknowledged its historical significance, stating, “I found it to be an impressively crafted film. While it took some liberties with historical accuracy, it does clarify at the outset that it's a work of fiction. Nevertheless, it effectively captures the essence of resistance, particularly through the mechanisms of the British judiciary. Ultimately, we see that justice is elusive. Tragically, we waited 28 years post-Jallianwala Bagh to attain freedom.”

He continued, “The film's message was exceptionally conveyed. Once again, the production quality was top-notch—the acting, direction, and storytelling were all incredibly engaging. There wasn't a single tedious moment. I initially feared that the courtroom scenes might not hold the audience's attention.”

Being a native of Kerala, Tharoor added, “The way the narrative unfolded made it impossible to look away even for a moment. Very captivating and skillfully executed. I've admired Sir Chettur Shankaran Nair for years. In fact, eight years ago, I delivered a speech in Tiruvannamalai honoring his legacy. While some aspects of the film romanticize him positively, his courage, integrity, and principles shine through. He would never have used certain words, especially a particular expletive that Akshay Kumar’s character employs.”

In the film, Akshay Kumar, portraying lawyer C. Sankaran Nair, uses the phrase “f**k you” in one scene.

Tharoor remarked, “I can assure you that for certain. However, the spirit and message, along with the clever portrayal of these ideas, were exceptionally executed. Films are vital in reminding us of the atrocities committed, especially the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which epitomizes the worst excesses of the British Raj. I take pride in my book, Inglorious Empire, where I emphasized the necessity for a formal apology for the massacre. I am pleased that the film highlights the fact that the British have never offered an apology.”

“On the centenary in 2019, the Prime Minister addressed the House of Commons, but only expressed regret about that day's events. That's not equivalent to an apology. This film serves as a reminder to both the British and ourselves that an apology is still overdue. Kudos to the filmmakers for their outstanding work; I would enthusiastically recommend this film to audiences across our nation, complete with English subtitles. Let them experience it,” Tharoor concluded.

In related news, “Kesari: Chapter 2,” directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, features R. Madhavan, Ananya Panday, and Regina Cassandra. Set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, the film premiered in theaters on April 18, 2025.