On the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the nation pays tribute to the martyrs, while Kesari Chapter 2 revives the legal battle against British colonial brutality — amidst fresh controversy over General Dyer’s descendant’s remarks.
April 13, 2025 — New Delhi: Today marks the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a grim milestone in India’s long road to independence. On this day in 1919, British Brigadier General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on a peaceful gathering in Amritsar’s Jallianwala Bagh during Baisakhi, killing over 1,000 unarmed civilians.
The brutal crackdown shocked the nation and the world, serving as a powerful catalyst for the Indian freedom movement and laying bare the cruelty of British colonial rule.
🇮🇳 A Nation Remembers
Ceremonies and tributes are being held across the country today, with floral offerings, candlelight vigils, and public readings in honor of the martyrs. The massacre remains etched in India’s collective memory as a symbol of resistance, injustice, and national awakening.
🎬 Kesari Chapter 2 — Cinema Revisits History
Coinciding with the anniversary is the much-anticipated release of Karan Johar’s historical courtroom drama, Kesari Chapter 2, slated to hit theatres on April 18. The film explores the legal battle led by Indian nationalist lawyer C. Sankaran Nair, who dared to challenge the British Empire in court for the Amritsar massacre.
Akshay Kumar stars as Nair, portraying his unwavering quest for justice in the face of imperial arrogance.
“These were people who gathered on the auspicious day of Baisakhi, expecting peace — not bullets,” said Karan Johar at a press event, emphasizing the film’s emotional and historical depth.
💥 Controversy Erupts Over Dyer’s Descendant
However, the film’s promotion has been shadowed by controversy. Caroline Dyer, great-granddaughter of General Dyer, sparked outrage after referring to survivor Balwant Singh as a “looter” in a video message.
The remarks triggered massive backlash online and drew sharp condemnation from the film fraternity.
“Her dismissiveness toward one of the darkest genocides in world history is shocking,” said Johar. “We demand a public apology.”
The incident has reignited national conversations about historical accountability, colonial legacy, and generational responsibility.
🕊️ Memory, Resistance, and Reflection
As India reflects on this dark chapter, Kesari 2 stands as both a cinematic tribute and an educational tool, reminding newer generations of the sacrifices made for freedom.
The film not only revisits history but also questions the systems that allowed such atrocities to occur—and how courage rose from the ashes.