How accurate is Kesari 2

"Kesari" (2019), not "Kesari 2," is a Bollywood film starring Akshay Kumar that depicts the Battle of Saragarhi (1897), not directly related to Jallianwala Bagh. The film is based on the true story of 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment who fought against approximately 10,000 Afghan tribesmen. While the core event—the heroic last stand at Saragarhi—is historically documented and the soldiers' bravery is recognized as one of the greatest last stands in military history, the film takes considerable creative liberties with details, dialogue, and certain characterizations for dramatic effect.

The actual historical record confirms that all 21 soldiers died defending the outpost, and their sacrifice is commemorated annually by the Indian and British armies. The film accurately portrays the courage and sacrifice of these soldiers, but like most historical dramas, it embellishes personal relationships, adds dramatic conversations, and condenses or alters certain timeline elements. The emotional core and the basic facts of the battle are faithful to history, but viewers should understand that Bollywood films prioritize entertainment over documentary-style accuracy. The film successfully brings this lesser-known but important historical event to a wider audience, though it should be viewed as inspired by true events rather than a precise historical recreation.