Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday Unite for Karan Johar’s Historical Drama on C. Sankaran Nair’s Battle for Justice
Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday are set to team up for a highly anticipated film produced by Karan Johar, based on the life of C. Sankaran Nair, one of India’s most prominent barristers. The film is expected to hit theaters on March 14, 2025. This untitled project is already generating buzz among fans and is poised to be one of the most awaited releases of the year.
On October 18, Dharma Productions took to their official Instagram handle to announce the project, revealing that the film would focus on a “shocking cover-up of a massacre that pushed India’s top barrister, C. Sankaran Nair, to fight an unprecedented battle against the British Empire.” The story is inspired by real-life events and is adapted from the book The Case That Shook The Empire, authored by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. The film will be directed by Karan Singh Tyagi.
The official Instagram post from Dharma Productions also confirmed the star-studded cast, featuring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday in pivotal roles. The caption of the post read, “Starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan & Ananya Panday – this untitled film is releasing in cinemas on 14th March, 2025.” The announcement sparked excitement among fans, who quickly flocked to the comments section to share their enthusiasm. Comments like “Yay!!! Excited @ananyapanday” and “This movie will work” filled the section, accompanied by heart, fire, and heart-eye emojis, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the project.
The film will focus on Nair’s legendary courtroom battle against Michael Francis O’Dwyer, a key figure of the British Empire, who was involved in the cover-up of the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The massacre, which took place in 1919, was one of the darkest events in India’s colonial history, where hundreds of unarmed Indians were killed by British forces in Amritsar, Punjab. C. Sankaran Nair, known for his unwavering dedication to justice and truth, challenged the British Empire’s attempt to hide the truth about the massacre. His legal battle brought international attention to the atrocities committed by the British in India and played a crucial role in the fight for India’s independence.
The film, according to a source close to the production, is a passion project for Akshay Kumar and everyone involved at Dharma Productions. “The core plot of the film features Akshay Kumar taking down the Empire to finally recognize the horrors of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre being committed by the British in India,” the source shared. This historical drama aims to bring to light a story that has not been widely explored in Indian cinema, focusing on the legal and moral battles fought by one of the nation’s most influential figures.
The source also revealed that the post-production work for the film is progressing at full speed, as the makers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure an accurate recreation of both India and London during the British colonial period. The film’s historical setting requires meticulous attention to detail, from the costumes to the architecture, to authentically represent the era. The production team is working tirelessly to create an immersive experience for audiences, transporting them back to the early 20th century when the Jallianwala Bagh massacre shook the world.
The collaboration between Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday has also piqued the interest of fans and critics alike. Akshay, who is known for his versatile roles and powerful performances, is expected to bring depth to the character of C. Sankaran Nair. R. Madhavan, with his strong screen presence, and Ananya Panday, one of Bollywood’s rising stars, are sure to add further appeal to this high-profile project.
It’s worth noting that Karan Johar had initially announced this film back in 2021, highlighting the importance of telling Nair’s story on the big screen. The project has since undergone extensive development, with a dedicated team working to ensure that the film does justice to the real-life events it portrays.
As the release date draws closer, fans can look forward to a gripping narrative that blends historical drama with legal intrigue. The film will not only shed light on a critical chapter of India’s fight for independence but also celebrate the courage and resilience of individuals like C. Sankaran Nair, who stood up against injustice in the face of great adversity.
With its stellar cast, compelling storyline, and historical significance, this untitled film promises to be a cinematic event that will leave a lasting impact on audiences when it releases on March 14, 2025.