Mumbai, [Date]: The Bollywood arena is abuzz with excitement as eminent figures Akshay Kumar and Karan Johar gear up for another potential blockbuster. Following the success of celebrated films like ‘Kesari’ and ‘Good Newwz’, the dynamic duo now embarks on a captivating cinematic journey inspired by the life of C Sankaran Nair, set during the tumultuous times of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. The film’s announcement came on a vibrant Friday as the producers unveiled a striking poster coupled with the much-anticipated release date.
Using Instagram as a platform, the iconic Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions shared this intriguing announcement with fans. The poster’s captivating caption read, “An untold story, an unheard truth. Starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday – this untitled film is slated for a cinematic release on 14th March 2025. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi.” Boldly printed on the poster was an evocative tagline, “The Untitled film on the shocking cover-up of a massacre that pushed India’s top barrister C Sankaran Nair to fight an unprecedented battle against the British empire.”
For the uninitiated, this upcoming film narrates the riveting tale drawn from real-life events and is adapted from the acclaimed book “The Case That Shook The Empire,” penned by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. The narrative of the book and thereby the film delves into the courageous defamation lawsuit brought by C Sankaran Nair against Michael O’Dwyer. O’Dwyer, who was then the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, was embroiled in controversy as Nair bravely took him on following the gruesome Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
C Sankaran Nair was no ordinary man; he was a towering figure in India’s legal and political landscape, an instrumental reformer during the country’s fervent struggle for independence. The film promises to augment this historical courtroom drama, placing Akshay Kumar at its helm as he dons the role of this formidable lawyer during India’s pre-independence climate.
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This ambitious project is under the meticulous craftsmanship of several industry stalwarts. Bankrolled by Karan Johar alongside Apoorva Mehta’s Dharma Productions, Akshay Kumar’s Cape of Good Films, and Leo Media Collective, the film promises to be a spectacle. It is notable for marking Akshay Kumar’s first venture with actors R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, conjuring high expectations amongst cinephiles and fervent fans.
While anticipation builds for his portrayal in this historical retelling, Akshay Kumar is concurrently juggling a flurry of other highly anticipated projects. Fans eagerly await Kumar’s appearance in crowd-pleasers like ‘Housefull 5’ and the outdoor adventure-themed ‘Welcome to the Jungle’.
Conversely, co-actor R. Madhavan is also in the limelight, prepared to grace cinema screens with an untitled film directed by visionary Aditya Dhar. Here, he will share the screen with heavyweights such as Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal, thereby further cementing his foothold in contemporary cinema.
This untitled venture is not merely an entertainment piece; it is an evocative narrative that unravels one of India’s many historical episodes that paved the way for its independence. It underscores the critical battle against colonial censorship and injustice, through the eyes of one of its ardent sons, C Sankaran Nair. Director Karan Singh Tyagi’s vision in bringing this story to life promises to engage and educate viewers on this often overshadowed chapter of history.
As March 2025 looms closer, cinema aficionados prepare for what promises to be a film built on authenticity, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice—a film that doesn’t just entertain, but resonates with the indomitable spirit of resistance and reform. With an ensemble cast and a story grounded in truth, this project is set to enthrall, inspire, and spark discussion, keeping C Sankaran Nair’s legacy alive for generations to come.
