R Madhavan’s first look from Kesari: Chapter 2 out! Neville McKinley will be at loggerheads with Akshay Kumar’s Sankaran Nair

Karan Johar has taken over the mainstream headlines for the past week, this time to promote one of his most cherished productions. The movie in question is Kesari: Chapter 2, starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday. The film, which has been rebranded into the Kesari franchise, is among the most anticipated period dramas in the country. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film explores the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

The makers have now started unveiling the first-look posters of the pivotal characters, and the latest reveal is none other than R. Madhavan’s first look. Read on to know everything you should about the same.

Kesari: Chapter 2 Poster Out

R. Madhavan plays the antagonist in Kesari: Chapter 2. The actor portrays Neville McKinley, the lawyer who fights for the British government against C. Sankaran Nair. The poster showcases him in lawyer’s attire, exuding an intimidating and authoritative presence. Madhavan looks both impressive and menacing in his first look. The voice-over in the poster reveals that Neville McKinley is determined to destroy C. Sankaran Nair. Check out the post below.

Kesari: Chapter 2 Teaser Out

For the unversed, it was reported a month ago that the C. Sankaran Nair biopic has been rebranded as Kesari: Chapter 2 – The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh. The makers have now confirmed this development with a teaser. The 1-minute, 39-second teaser, launched today, provides a glimpse of what the movie has in store.

Also read: Kesari Chapter 2 teaser out! Akshay Kumar takes us back to the horrors of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

We are introduced to the historical premise, witnessing the horrors of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre—an event that not only claimed countless lives but also altered the course of India's history. The teaser captures the atrocious crime, showing how the injured and deceased were left inside Jallianwala Bagh for 12 hours, allowing vultures to feast on them.

We are then transported to the courtroom, where we see Akshay Kumar as C. Sankaran Nair, fighting against the British government. At one point, he is reminded that he and all Indians are "slaves" to the British, to which he boldly responds, “F*ck you.” However, the teaser does not reveal the first looks of Ananya Panday and R. Madhavan, so we might have to wait a little longer for that.

In a post before announcing Kesari: Chapter 2, Karan Johar expressed his immense pride for the film: "The director did nothing else but put his head down and work relentlessly on his film, combating pandemic delays and other unforeseen circumstances. I am inspired by the team of actors and technicians who gave the film and the team so much consistent support and love.

"One can never predict commercial success, BUT what I can say with all my heart is that this film is one of Dharma’s proudest productions. I say this as a filmmaker and an audience member. I pray for the team that the audience is coloured in the passion they have poured into this film. See you at the movies."

As you wait for Kesari: Chapter 2 release, check out more gripping historic thrillers on OTTplay Premium—now at a special discounted price. [Start Watching]

Starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, Kesari: Chapter 2 is set to hit the big screen on April 18, 2025. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates on this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.