R. Madhavan Reveals Behind-The-Scenes Look At Crafting Villain Role In Kesari Chapter 2
Actor shares glimpse into creating his fear-inducing character Neville McKinley in courtroom drama
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R. Madhavan has offered fans a fascinating glimpse into the making of his villain character in the newly released historical drama Kesari Chapter 2. The actor shared a behind-the-scenes look at how he crafted his portrayal of Neville McKinley, described as “the face of fear” in the film that’s currently showing in theaters worldwide.
In a recent Instagram post, Madhavan wrote: “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.” The accompanying image shows the actor in character as the antagonist, displaying the meticulous attention to detail that went into developing this role.
THE VILLAIN’S JOURNEY
Kesari Chapter 2 tells the story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and features Akshay Kumar playing lawyer Sir C. Sankaran Nair, who fought to expose the truth behind this tragic historical event. Madhavan portrays Neville McKinley, the opposing lawyer, in what appears to be an intense courtroom drama.
In another recent post promoting the film, Madhavan’s character was described as being “in the grey,” with the caption noting that “R. Madhavan clearly has a knack for it!” This suggests the actor has embraced playing a morally complex antagonist in the historical drama.
AUDIENCE RECEPTION
The film has already garnered positive responses from early screenings. Audiences have described Kesari Chapter 2 as “a movie that will stir your soul, leave you with moist eyes and fill your heart with a renewed sense of responsibility towards our nation’s freedom.”
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also praised the film after attending a special screening alongside Akshay Kumar and Madhavan. The film is being marketed as “a powerful, deeply moving and evocative cinematic ode to India’s freedom movement and to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh.”
Born Ranganathan Madhavan on June 1, 1970, the actor has built an impressive career spanning Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and English-language films. Before entering cinema, he gained recognition through television appearances, particularly in Hindi TV serials like “Banegi Apni Baat” and “Sea Hawks.”
Madhavan’s film career has been marked by versatility, with successful roles in romantic films like “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein,” intense dramas such as “Irudhi Suttru” (Saala Khadoos in Hindi), and science fiction projects like “Vikram Vedha.” He has also ventured into directing, making his directorial debut with “Rocketry: The Nambi Effect” (2022), in which he also played the lead role of scientist Nambi Narayanan.
Kesari Chapter 2 is just one of Madhavan’s current projects engaging audiences. He also features in Netflix’s “Test,” a new series where promotional material asks whether his calculating, cold, and unapologetic character makes him “a hero or a villain.” This further demonstrates his current interest in exploring morally complex characters.
Produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions along with Cape of Good Films, Leo Media Collective, and other production houses, Kesari Chapter 2 released in theaters worldwide on April 18, 2024. The film also features Ananya Panday in a significant role alongside Akshay Kumar and Madhavan.
Fans interested in catching Madhavan’s performance as the intimidating Neville McKinley can book tickets now, with links available through the film’s official social media channels.
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