A police complaint has been filed against the makers of 'Kesari Chapter 2', starring Akshay Kumar, for allegedly misrepresenting and distorting the names and historical facts related to prominent Bengali freedom fighters Khudiram Bose and Barindra Kumar Ghosh. The complaint, lodged at Bidhannagar South Police Station, has sparked fresh controversy over the film’s portrayal of Indian revolutionary history.
According to the complaint filed by Ranjit Biswas, a resident of Kolkata’s adjoining Salt Lake area, the film has referred to martyr Khudiram Bose as 'Khudiram Singh', which he claims is a gross distortion and an insult to Indian freedom fighters and Bengal's revolutionary legacy.
In addition, the complainant has objected to the portrayal of Barindra Kumar Ghosh — a key figure in India’s struggle for independence — being shown in the film as 'Birendra Kumar' from Amritsar, Punjab, rather than his correct identity as a Bengali revolutionary.
The complaint also alleges that the film includes inaccurate information about Khudiram Bose’s execution and the suicide of fellow freedom fighter Prafulla Chaki, which the petitioner argues amounts to disrespecting the sacrifices of Indian revolutionaries.
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Confirming the development, Anish Sarkar, Deputy Commissioner of Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, stated, "We have received a complaint from an individual regarding factual distortions in 'Kesari Chapter 2' . We are looking into the matter and will take the necessary steps to investigate the allegations thoroughly."
Sources within the Bidhannagar Commissionerate confirmed that steps are being taken to contact the director and producers of the film to seek clarification and verify the historical claims made in the movie.
'Kesari Chapter 2', which is set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, was released in theatres on April 18. While no formal objections were raised during its theatrical run, the controversy gained momentum following the film’s recent release on an OTT platform, prompting renewed public scrutiny over its content.
This is the first formal case filed against the film regarding the alleged misrepresentation of Bengal’s freedom fighters, although public criticism had surfaced soon after its OTT launch.
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The complaint has reignited the debate about historical accountability in cinema, especially when portraying real-life figures who played pivotal roles in India’s independence movement. Civil society groups and historians have also weighed in, urging filmmakers to exercise greater accuracy and sensitivity when representing freedom fighters whose legacies are integral to India's national history.
The investigation by Bidhannagar Police is currently underway and further action is expected once the filmmakers’ responses are received.
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