- By Tanya Garg
- Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
R Madhavan and Akshay Kumar's performances were praised by movie buffs and critics in Kesari Chapter 2. The historical drama, which is based on a true story, explores the tense aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh catastrophe. Ananya Panday joined R Madhavan and Akshay Kumar in the movie, released on April 18, 2025.
R. Madhavan, however, is getting special attention for his nuanced performance as the conflicted antagonist Neville McKinley. A new behind-the-scenes video released by director Karan Singh Tyagi and producer Karan Johar offers a singular and engrossing look at the development of his key character.
The caption on the recently released behind-the-scenes post related to R Madhavan's read, "Every stare, every silence, every decision—crafted to leave a mark. Here’s a glimpse into how Neville McKinley, the face of fear, was created."
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Neville McKinley, played by R. Madhavan, is not your usual enemy. McKinley, an Indian lawyer with a British education, struggles with loyalty to the British crown while acknowledging the inequity of its acts as he navigates the moral turmoil of colonial power. The intricacy of his portrayal is further enhanced by the fact that his character is based on a combination of ten actual lawyers who were brought in to oppose Sir Sankaran Nayar.
However, the history books don't provide a lot of information on Adv. Neville McKinley's actual life. Discussions about Adv. Neville McKinley has therefore taken over Reddit. A user wrote, "A small Fact about Neville McKinley...he was the First Openly Gay advocate in India...also he was Very Harshly persecuted for being one...His bar license was Renounced...he fought for Gay right for 20 years before succumbing to TB...His statue is in the Kolkatas Famous Richard Garden..."
(Image: Reddit)
Jagran English, however, is unable to confirm these claims.
R Madhavan's historic performance also comes at a significant point in his career when he marks 25 years in the Indian film industry.
About Kesari Chapter 2
Akshay Kumar plays the brave lawyer C. Sankaran Nair in 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, who fought the British Raj to reveal the truth about the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. Advocate Neville McKinley is portrayed by R. Madhavan, and Dilreet Gill is portrayed by Ananya Panday.
For the unversed, Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair was the sole Indian member of the Viceroy's Executive Council, the highest governing body in British India, at the time of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. After learning of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Chettur Sankaran Nair protested by resigning from his position.