Kolkata:The makers of the film Kesari Chapter 2, starring Akshay Kumar, have landed in controversy after an FIR was filed against seven producers for allegedly misrepresenting Bengal’s role in India’s freedom movement. The complaint was registered at Bidhannagar South Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has strongly condemned the portrayal of Bengali revolutionaries in the film, calling it a “deliberate distortion of history” and a “deep insult” to the state’s cultural and historical legacy.
Key Figures Misrepresented in the Film
The film reportedly misidentifies legendary freedom fighters Khudiram Bose and Barindra Kumar Ghosh, renaming them as Khudiram Sing and Barin Kumar, respectively. This has sparked widespread outrage across political and public circles in West Bengal.
Political Reactions and Condemnation
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, without naming the film, voiced her disapproval, accusing the creators of conspiring to undermine the contributions of Bengali revolutionaries in collaboration with the BJP.
“There are deliberate attempts to downplay Bengal’s pivotal role in India’s independence. We strongly condemn this effort to erase our history,” said Banerjee.
TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Arup Chakraborty held a press conference at the party headquarters, sharply criticizing the film. Ghosh stated:
“Names of Bengali freedom fighters have been changed — this is not an oversight, it's a calculated move. How was this film even cleared by the censor board?”
Ghosh also posted a strong statement on social media, writing:
“Calling Shaheed Khudiram Bose as Khudiram Sing and Barin Ghosh as Barin Kumar is not only factually incorrect but a disrespectful insult to Bengal’s revolutionary legacy. We demand a public apology and immediate correction from the filmmakers.”
About Kesari Chapter 2
Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, Kesari Chapter 2 is reportedly inspired by the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. The film features Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday in lead roles.
The controversy revolves around alleged alterations to historical identities, which critics say have compromised the authenticity and sensitivity of real-life events and personalities.