Following the success of the 2019 Hindi-language film Kesari, directed by Anurag Singh and featuring Akshay Kumar in the lead role, Dharma Productions has launched the sequel, Kesari Chapter 2, which premiered in theatres yesterday. This highly anticipated follow-up has generated considerable buzz among fans and critics alike.

Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, Kesari Chapter 2 is produced by an impressive collaboration that includes Dharma Productions, Cape of Good Films, and Leo Media Collective. The film stars Akshay Kumar once again, alongside R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, adding depth and star power to the narrative. With Kumar’s popularity and a compelling story at its core, expectations for the film were high prior to its release.

The makers of Kesari Chapter 2 shared the film’s first-day box office collections, revealing that it earned ₹7.84 crore on its opening day. This strong performance indicates significant audience interest and sets a positive tone for its theatrical run. The film’s release coincides with a period of keen interest in historical dramas, particularly those that resonate with viewers on a cultural and emotional level.

The storyline is set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which took place on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab, marking a pivotal moment in Indian history. Akshay Kumar portrays the character of Sankaran Nair, a lawyer committed to seeking an apology from the British government for this tragic event. His portrayal aims to bring to life the struggle for justice and accountability, highlighting both the personal and collective traumas experienced during this dark chapter.

Kesari Chapter 2 is adapted from the book The Case That Shook The Empire, written by Pushpa Palat and Raghu Palat. The screenplay is crafted by Karan Singh Tyagi and Amritpal Singh Bindra, ensuring a well-structured narrative that captures the complexities of the historical events. As audiences flock to theatres, the film is positioned as not just a sequel but also a crucial exploration of an essential chapter in Indian history, blending drama, action, and emotion to engage viewers thoroughly.

In light of the controversy surrounding a scene deemed offensive to Christians, the makers of the Hindi film “Jaat” have chosen to remove the divisive segment. On April 18, an FIR was filed against actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, and three other individuals involved with the film, following complaints that elements of “Jaat” disrespected the Christian faith.

The filmmakers released an official statement confirming the scene’s removal, stating, “There has been a backlash regarding a specific scene in the movie. We have decided to eliminate it with immediate effect.” This action was prompted by concerns raised by Viklav Gold, a Christian community leader, who alleged that the film, which launched on April 10, included material that disrespected Jesus Christ and various Christian practices.

The filmmakers expressed that their intention was never to hurt any religious sentiments. They apologised for any distress caused by the scene and highlighted their commitment to respecting all beliefs. “We deeply regret this situation and have taken the necessary steps to address it promptly,” they added.

“Jaat,” directed by Gopichand Malineni, unfolds in an Andhra Village plagued by systemic injustice and brutality. The narrative follows an outsider who refers to himself as Jaat, as he uncovers the dire circumstances of the villagers and resolves to confront the oppressive forces at play.

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Vineet Kumar Singh, Regina Cassandra, and Saiyami Kher in pivotal roles. Reviewers have noted the extreme violence depicted in the film; for instance, a review from The Hindu remarked on its graphic portrayal of brutality, suggesting that “the violence is explicit, where severed heads are captured like money shots.” The review also pointed out the film’s use of shocking elements to engage the audience, prompting a warning about its content.

Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, “Jaat” has performed remarkably well at the box office, generating close to ₹60 crore during its first week in India. Following this success, the filmmakers have announced plans for a sequel, showcasing the film’s popularity despite the recent controversies.

Kerala Police arrested Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko on Saturday for suspected drug consumption, authorities confirmed. According to officials, a medical examination and further legal proceedings are underway.

Chacko faces charges under Sections 27 (consumption of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances) and 29 (abetment and criminal conspiracy) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, according to reports.

The arrest follows an incident where Kochi city police issued a notice to Chacko on Friday, summoning him for questioning. The notice was linked to an alleged escape from a hotel during an anti-drug raid. As Chacko was not at his Thrissur residence, the notice was handed to his family.

A senior police officer clarified, “The notice was issued because the incident falls under the Ernakulam North Police Station’s jurisdiction.” Chacko was directed to appear before the Ernakulam North Police Sub-Inspector on Saturday to explain his actions during the raid.

Hotel raid and alleged escape

On Wednesday night, the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) conducted a raid at a hotel near Kaloor around 10:45 pm, targeting a suspect in a drug-related case. Although the suspect was not found, police discovered Chacko’s name in the hotel’s guest register. When officers approached his third-floor room, he allegedly fled the scene.

CCTV footage and a viral video reportedly show Chacko escaping the hotel upon noticing the police. While no drugs were found during the raid, preliminary evidence points to Chacko as the individual who fled. No case has been filed directly related to the hotel incident due to the absence of recovered substances.

Recent Controversy

Chacko recently faced scrutiny after actor Vincy Aloshious accused him of “inappropriate behaviour” on the set of the unreleased film Soothravakyam. Aloshious had initially shared her concerns on Instagram, alleging misconduct by a co-actor under the influence of drugs. She later named Chacko in a formal complaint to the Film Chamber and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).

However, Aloshious expressed frustration over the media leak of Chacko’s name and indicated her willingness to withdraw the complaint.