FIR Filed in West Bengal for Alleged Historical Misrepresentation

The Bollywood film Kesari Chapter 2, starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, has landed in hot water in West Bengal, where an FIR has been filed against its producers for allegedly distorting historical facts about Bengali freedom fighters. The legal action has sparked intense debates about creative liberties in historical dramas and the responsibility of filmmakers to respect India’s freedom struggle. For Bollywood fans and the Indian diaspora, this controversy raises critical questions about cinematic storytelling and cultural sensitivity.

What Sparked the Controversy?

The controversy centers on a courtroom scene in Kesari Chapter 2, directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films. Released on April 18, 2023, and now streaming on Netflix, the film is based on The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, focusing on C. Sankaran Nair’s legal battle to expose the truth behind the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

A complaint filed by Ranjan Biswas of Nabapally, Sector IV, Bidhannagar South, alleges that the film misrepresents iconic Bengali revolutionaries Khudiram Bose and Barindra Kumar Ghosh. The film reportedly portrays Bose as “Khudiram” and Ghosh as “Birendra Kumar” from Amritsar, altering their identities and origins. Revolutionary Hemchandra Kanungo was replaced with a fictional character named Kripal Singh. The complaint calls this a deliberate insult to Bengal’s freedom fighters and accuses the film of spreading misinformation.

The FIR, filed on June 18, 2023, accuses seven producers under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for intentional insult, public mischief, and circulating false information. The controversy escalated after the film’s OTT release on June 13, 2023, with a viral clip fueling outrage on social media.

Political and Cultural Backlash

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has spearheaded criticism, calling the inaccuracies a conspiracy to erase Bengal’s role in the freedom movement. Senior TMC leaders demanded an apology from Akshay Kumar and the filmmakers, condemning what they described as a deliberate distortion. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized attempts to undermine Bengali revolutionaries, suggesting a broader cultural agenda.

Bengali nationalist groups staged protests, accusing the film of cultural erasure. Prominent voices from Bengali cinema also called out the filmmakers for poor research or intentional misrepresentation. Social media saw hashtags like #KesariChapter2 and #BengalRevolutionaries trend as users demanded accountability.

The BJP dismissed the controversy as unnecessary, arguing that name changes are common in films and accusing TMC of politicizing the issue. However, calls for greater responsibility in depicting historical events continue to grow.

Creative Liberties vs. Historical Accuracy

The Kesari Chapter 2 row has reignited debates about balancing creative freedom with historical truth in cinema. Though the film carries a disclaimer about fictional elements, critics argue that altering real historical figures’ identities crosses the line. The depiction of C. Sankaran Nair confronting General Dyer in court — which did not happen — further blurs historical facts.

Supporters of the film praise its emotional impact and gripping courtroom drama, but the renaming of Bengali revolutionaries has drawn widespread criticism, given their revered status in India’s freedom struggle.

Implications for Bollywood and the Diaspora

For the Indian diaspora, this controversy underscores cinema’s influence in shaping perceptions of history and identity. Kesari Chapter 2’s global release means its portrayal of India’s freedom struggle can impact collective memory, especially among younger audiences less familiar with the details of the independence movement.

This debate follows earlier rows over films like Padmaavat and Ae Watan Mere Watan, further spotlighting Bollywood’s responsibility when handling historical narratives.

What’s Next?

As of June 25, 2023, neither Akshay Kumar nor the producers have publicly responded to the controversy. The police investigation is ongoing. There are calls for edits or redubbing of the film, but no official updates on revisions. The debate continues on social media, with viewers, historians, and civil society groups weighing in.

How to Stay Updated

Watch Kesari Chapter 2 on Netflix to see the controversial scenes firsthand.
Follow discussions using hashtags like #KesariChapter2 and #BengalRevolutionaries on social platforms.
Stay tuned to Masala Mirror for updates, reviews, and in-depth coverage of Bollywood and cultural debates.

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