Mumbai: Building on previous cinematic successes such as ‘Kesari’ and ‘Good Newwz’, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and renowned filmmaker Karan Johar are once again joining forces for an ambitious new project. This film, inspired by real-life events, will spotlight the remarkable story of C Sankaran Nair, set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. On Friday, anticipation for this project reached new heights as the filmmakers unveiled a captivating poster, alongside the official announcement that the yet-to-be-titled movie is slated for release in cinemas on March 14, 2025.
The poster, shared on Instagram by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, teases the audience with the tagline: “An untold story, an unheard truth.” This intriguing narrative is set to star Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, under the direction of Karan Singh Tyagi. The film promises to delve into the shocking details of a historical cover-up, compelling India’s leading barrister, C Sankaran Nair, to embark on a formidable legal battle against the mighty British Empire.
Understanding C Sankaran Nair’s contribution to India’s independence movement is crucial, as this narrative draws heavily from Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat’s literary work, “The Case That Shook the Empire”. The book’s narrative chronicles the dramatic legal battle involving Michael O’Dwyer, the then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, and Chettur Sankaran Nair. Nair, an eminent lawyer, politician, and reformist, took on a defiant legal stance challenging the British, in response to the appalling Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. This daring move not only marked a watershed moment in his career but also became a significant chapter in India’s protracted struggle for independence.
Karan Singh Tyagi is helming this cinematic venture, which promises to encapsulate the intensity, drama, and historical significance of this courtroom battle. Akshay Kumar, portraying the role of Nair, is set to navigate this pre-independence era with finesse, bringing to life the lawyer’s indomitable spirit and fervent patriotism. The film is being produced by a collaboration between Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta’s Dharma Productions, Akshay Kumar’s own Cape of Good Films, and Leo Media Collective, ensuring a powerhouse of talent both in front of and behind the camera.
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This project is not just another film on the horizon; it marks Akshay Kumar’s first on-screen collaboration with the talented R. Madhavan and the promising Ananya Panday. Fans can look forward to a fresh dynamic between these actors as they bring to life a gripping saga from India’s past. Kumar, known for his versatility and commitment to roles, aims to lend authenticity and gravitas to the portrayal of Nair, a figure of immense historical importance.
In addition to this upcoming historical drama, Akshay Kumar is also gearing up for a series of other major film releases. These include ‘Housefull 5’ and ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, further showcasing his diverse range and dedication to entertaining audiences worldwide.
Meanwhile, R. Madhavan, another celebrated actor in the Indian film industry, is set to charm audiences with his upcoming projects as well. He will appear alongside Bollywood heavyweights such as Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal in an untitled film directed by Aditya Dhar, adding another exciting layer to his expansive filmography.
As we await the release of this untitled film, slated to hit theatres on March 14, 2025, excitement continues to build. This project not only aims to entertain but also strives to enlighten audiences about a crucial episode in India’s fight for independence. By exploring the moral and legal intricacies of the Jallianwala Bagh debacle, the film seeks to offer new perspectives and deeper insights into how individuals like C Sankaran Nair helped shape the nation’s destiny.
As further details about the film emerge and promotions kick off, both cinema enthusiasts and history aficionados have much to look forward to in this ambitious portrayal of courage and conviction in the pre-Independence era.