Karan Johar on casting R. Madhavan in Kesari Chapter 2: “Maddy is an absolutely outstanding actor”

R. Madhavan is earning widespread acclaim for his powerful portrayal of Neville McKinley in Kesari Chapter 2, which hit theatres on April 18. Starring alongside Akshay Kumar and Ananya Panday, the film delves into the volatile aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. But while the ensemble has been praised as a whole, it’s Madhavan’s layered performance as the film’s antagonist Neville McKinley that is drawing particular attention.

In a newly released behind-the-scenes aka BTS video, director Karan Singh Tyagi and producer Karan Johar offer insight into the making of Madhavan’s character — a British-educated Indian lawyer torn between allegiance to the Crown and the moral reckoning of colonial brutality. “When the character 'Neville' was written, we needed a solid actor, a solid antagonist to combat the protagonist — and we all know that 'Maddy' Madhavan is an absolutely outstanding actor,” said Karan Johar, underlining the narrative importance of the character. “He walked around like a tiger,” recalled director Karan Singh Tyagi about Madhavan’s commanding presence on his very first day on set.

The Instagram reel, shared by the makers, is captioned, “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.” Neville McKinley is far from a stereotypical villain. Rooted in historical nuance, he is inspired by an amalgamation of ten real-life lawyers employed to counter Sir Sankaran Nayar’s legal challenge to the British Empire. This gives Madhavan ample scope to portray not just menace, but internal conflict — making McKinley both fearsome and tragically human.

 

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The release of this BTS video also coincides with a major milestone in Madhavan’s career: 25 years in Indian cinema. Known for his versatility and commitment to meaningful storytelling, the actor has delivered back-to-back critically acclaimed roles, including in Hisaab Barabar, in the cricket drama Test. His upcoming films include a highly anticipated biopic on inventor G.D. Naidu and a romantic thriller Aap Jaisa Koi in the pipeline.

Also Read: Kesari 2 director Karan Singh Tyagi talks history, law, and his love for courtroom dramas

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