Kesari Chapter 2: Madhavan reveals why he wants audiences to ‘hate’ him in Akshay Kumar film 2025 best
Kesari Chapter 2: Madhavan Reveals Why He Wants Audiences to ‘Hate’ Him in Akshay Kumar Film
In a rare instance of vulnerability and confidence, acclaimed actor R. Madhavan opened up about his villainous role in the much-awaited sequel, Kesari Chapter 2, Kesari Chapter 2: Madhavan reveals why he wants audiences to ‘hate’ him in Akshay Kumar film 2025 best where he stars opposite Akshay Kumar. Known for his charming presence and heroic roles in films like Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein and Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, Madhavan’s decision to play an antagonist in a film that celebrates patriotism and sacrifice might seem surprising.
But according to the actor, that is exactly the point. In a heartfelt interview during a promotional event for Kesari Chapter 2, Madhavan stated that his goal was to evoke real hatred from the audience—not because he seeks controversy, Kesari Chapter 2: Madhavan reveals why he wants audiences to ‘hate’ him in Akshay Kumar film 2025 best but because he wants to elevate the story’s emotional depth and the heroism of the Sikh warriors portrayed in the film.
A Shift in Narrative: From Hero to Villain
In the cinematic world, especially in Bollywood, actors often shy away from playing antagonists after establishing themselves as romantic or action heroes. Kesari Chapter 2: Madhavan reveals why he wants audiences to ‘hate’ him in Akshay Kumar film 2025 best But Madhavan believes that storytelling must be dynamic and provocative, not restricted by typecasting.
“It was a deliberate choice,” Madhavan said. “I knew I was going to receive backlash, possibly even trolling. But if the audience walks out of the theatre hating me, I’ve done my job. Because my character stands for everything the heroes in this story fought against.”
In Kesari Chapter 2, Madhavan portrays a brutal Afghan warlord, based on historical figures who led the siege against the outnumbered Sikh regiment in the Battle of Saragarhi. Kesari Chapter 2: Madhavan reveals why he wants audiences to ‘hate’ him in Akshay Kumar film 2025 best His character is not just an adversary but a symbol of oppression, fanaticism, and unrelenting violence.
Balancing Realism and Fiction
Madhavan emphasized that the film is not about demonizing a community or glorifying violence. Instead, it aims to tell a powerful historical story about courage and resistance, and to do so, the antagonist’s cruelty must feel real.
“The danger in softening the villain is that you dilute the bravery of those who stood against him. If I’m not terrifying, Akshay’s character doesn’t look as brave. Kesari Chapter 2: Madhavan reveals why he wants audiences to ‘hate’ him in Akshay Kumar film 2025 best It’s that contrast that creates drama,” he explained.
The actor and director Anurag Singh worked closely with historians and cultural consultants to ensure the portrayal of Madhavan’s character remained authentic but respectful.
Akshay Kumar Reacts: ‘He Scared Me On Set’
Akshay Kumar, reprising his role as Havildar Ishar Singh, Kesari Chapter 2: Madhavan reveals why he wants audiences to ‘hate’ him in Akshay Kumar film 2025 best revealed that Madhavan’s transformation for the role was so intense that it often caught him off guard.
“We’ve been friends for years,” Akshay said. “But when he walked on set in costume, eyes full of rage, voice like thunder—I felt the chill. He became that man. He scared me. That’s how powerful his performance is.”
Behind the scenes, however, the camaraderie remained strong. Kesari Chapter 2: Madhavan reveals why he wants audiences to ‘hate’ him in Akshay Kumar film 2025 best The two actors often discussed battle psychology, historical interpretation, and moral complexities in portraying real-life figures from a violent and politically sensitive time.
Transformation: Madhavan’s Physical and Emotional Preparation
Playing a warlord wasn’t just about adopting a different accent or costume. Madhavan underwent a complete transformation:
- Grew a rugged beard and underwent prosthetic enhancements to reflect a scarred warrior’s visage.
- Learned Pashto dialects and studied regional histories.
- Kesari Chapter 2: Madhavan reveals why he wants audiences to ‘hate’ him in Akshay Kumar film 2025 best
- Trained in horse-riding and sword combat, practicing hours each day for authentic action sequences.
But more importantly, he dove into the emotional psyche of the antagonist. He read journals, watched documentaries on tribal warfare, and spoke to historians to better understand the ideologies that drove such leaders.
“I didn’t want him to be a caricature. I wanted him to be feared because he believes in his truth, however dark it is,” Madhavan said.
Audience Anticipation and Pre-Release Buzz
The trailer of Kesari Chapter 2 features a chilling scene in which Madhavan’s character delivers a bone-chilling monologue before launching an attack on the Sikh post. Kesari Chapter 2: Madhavan reveals why he wants audiences to ‘hate’ him in Akshay Kumar film 2025 best The delivery, combined with his menacing screen presence, left fans and critics stunned.
Social media was abuzz:
- “I didn’t expect to hate Madhavan so much—what a performance!” tweeted a fan.
- “He’s going to redefine villainy in Bollywood,” wrote a popular film blogger.
Hashtags like #MadhavanInKesari2 and #Kesari2Villain began trending within hours.
The Role of Antagonists in Patriotism-Centric Films
Films that focus on nationalism often paint villains in broad strokes. But Madhavan believes that depth in antagonism can actually enhance the audience’s emotional investment.
“A great villain forces you to think. Forces the hero to rise. We’ve seen one-dimensional bad guys. This one is different. He’s clever, passionate, and terrifyingly real,” he said.
He cites examples like Amrish Puri in Mr. India or Ranveer Singh in Padmaavat as performances that were both loathed and lauded.
Historical Integrity vs Cinematic Liberty
With historical films, there is always the challenge of balancing facts with fiction. Madhavan shared that the film does take creative liberties, but the team was conscious not to alter core historical truths.
“Our character is an amalgamation of multiple real figures from the Afghan side. We had to dramatize, yes, but we didn’t want to disrespect real people or their struggles,” he stated.
The production team consulted military experts, regional historians, and cultural advisors to craft the narrative responsibly.
Why ‘Hate’ is the Right Response
Asked again why he wants audiences to hate him, Madhavan smiled and said:
“Because hate means you were moved. It means you were invested. If you feel nothing, I’ve failed. But if you want to yell, scream, or cry at what I did on screen—it means I brought the story to life.”
He also emphasized that such roles allow actors to push artistic boundaries and create space for powerful storytelling in Indian cinema.
Reception Among Critics and Industry Peers
Many fellow actors and directors have praised Madhavan’s bold choice:
- Rajkummar Rao tweeted: “Maddy is fearless. Playing the villain in a film like this takes guts. Can’t wait to watch.”
- Mani Ratnam, who worked with Madhavan in Alaipayuthey, said: “He’s always had the range. This is just the next level.”
Behind-the-Scenes Moments and Bonding
Despite the intensity of his role, the atmosphere on set was often light-hearted. Akshay Kumar and Madhavan shared jokes, food, and even engaged in impromptu script readings.
A viral BTS clip shows Madhavan breaking character after a dramatic scene, laughing as he says: “I hope they still love me after this!”
Impact on Madhavan’s Career and Future Projects
This role is being seen as a game-changer for Madhavan, whose recent transition into direction (Rocketry) proved his versatility.
Post-Kesari Chapter 2, he’s already in talks for two international thrillers and a Netflix original series where he plays a morally complex character.
“This isn’t a one-time experiment. I want to keep exploring the grey areas,” he revealed.
Conclusion: Courage, Cinema, and Complexity
In Kesari Chapter 2, R. Madhavan doesn’t just play a villain—he embodies an ideology that challenges the audience to confront fear, anger, and loss. His performance is not designed to please, but to provoke. Not to be liked, but to be remembered.
As cinema evolves, so do its characters. And with this bold move, Madhavan invites us to explore how even hate, when earned through art, can be a powerful tool of storytelling.
Whether Kesari Chapter 2 becomes a blockbuster remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Madhavan’s villain will not be forgotten.
