The recently released teaser for Akshay Kumar’s highly anticipated “Kesari Chapter 2” has stirred a potent mix of excitement and controversy. While the film’s gripping portrayal of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and Kumar’s powerful performance have garnered widespread praise, one casting decision has become a focal point of intense online discussion: Ananya Panday.
The film’s sensitive subject matter, delving into a harrowing chapter of India’s pre-independence history, has prompted fans to question the suitability of Panday’s casting. This marks Panday’s first venture into serious dramatic territory, a departure from her previous roles in lighthearted OTT projects like “CTRL” (2024), “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan” (2023), and the series “Call Me Bae,” where she’s often perceived as playing a version of herself.
Initial curiosity about Panday’s foray into a historical epic quickly morphed into skepticism following the teaser’s release. Many viewers found themselves advocating for Wamiqa Gabbi, whose radiant presence and acting prowess have made her a fan favorite. A Reddit thread succinctly captured the sentiment, declaring, “Wamiqa Gabbi >> Ananya for Kesari 2,” triggering a wave of online commentary.
The internet, as is its wont, erupted with both scathing critiques and alternative casting suggestions. One user bluntly stated, “100 percent agree. Wamiqa would have been 1000 times better for Kesari 2 than that iPhone face Ananya who can’t act and speaks with a SoBo accent.” Another offered a more nuanced perspective, noting, “Hmm actually yes. I mean, she is Punjabi, and I guess Ananya’s character is Punjabi too in the movie, so it could have been better casting.”
Some perceived Panday’s casting as a missed opportunity to showcase talent from the Punjabi film industry, lamenting, “This would have been a great chance to introduce some good talent from the Punjabi film industry that’s not yet known in BW.” Others were brutally frank, with one commenter observing, “At this point, any actress with even slightly average acting skills would be better than Ananya. Our standards are literally in the gutter, so obviously, even average seems like gold to us right now.”
Despite the casting controversy, the anticipation surrounding “Kesari Chapter 2” remains palpable. The film’s compelling narrative and Akshay Kumar’s commanding presence have generated significant buzz, with the teaser solidifying its potential to captivate audiences. The film’s historical significance and powerful storyline are expected to draw viewers to theaters on April 18th, regardless of the ongoing debate.
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