Akshay Kumar is often hailed as Bollywood’s most versatile actor- from patriotic sagas and action-packed thrillers to slapstick comedies and socially driven cinema, he’s done it all. Among his diverse filmography, one genre that has particularly stood out is the courtroom drama. Whether he’s donning the black coat as a righteous lawyer or taking on the corrupt system with a mix of satire and intensity, Akshay’s courtroom films have delivered powerful messages while entertaining the masses.
Here’s a look at some of Akshay’s most prominent courtroom drama films:
1. Kesari Chapter 2
In Kesari Chapter 2, Akshay takes on the powerful role of Advocate C Sankaran Nair, a courageous lawyer who challenged the British Empire in court following the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919.
On April 13 of that year, British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering of Indians in Punjab’s Jallianwala Bagh, killing hundreds of unarmed men, women, and children. Widely regarded as one of the darkest chapters in India’s colonial history, the massacre sparked outrage across the country.
The film captures Nair’s relentless pursuit of justice as he sues the British government, demanding accountability. In a gripping courtroom face-off, Akshay will be seen locking horns with R Madhavan, who plays Advocate Neville McKinley, the formidable legal voice representing the British Empire.
The film is all set to hit the big sscreens on April 18.
2. Jolly LLB 2
In this satirical courtroom drama, Akshay plays Jolly, a small-time, opportunistic lawyer in Lucknow who starts off chasing fame and money but is forced to confront the harsh realities of the justice system.
Akshay balances humour with emotional depth in this film , a shift from Arshad Warsi’s original portrayal in the first Jolly LLB. His courtroom confrontations with veteran actor Annu Kapoor (who plays the opposition lawyer) are some of the film’s most gripping moments.
Jolly LLB 2 is one of Akshay’s strongest performances in recent years -mixing conscience, wit, and courtroom chaos with ease.
Where to watch: Jio Hotstar
3. Rustom
Loosely inspired by the real-life KM Nanavati vs. State of Maharashtra case of 1959, Rustom sees Akshay playing a decorated Navy officer who shoots his wife’s lover and then surrenders to the police.
What follows is a courtroom spectacle where Rustom defends himself, creating suspense about whether the act was a crime of passion or cold-blooded murder.
The courtroom scenes in Rustom are more stylised than realistic, but Akshay’s stoic and composed portrayal of a betrayed husband won him critical praise and a National Film Award for Best Actor.
Where to watch: Zee5
4. OMG: Oh My God
Though not a traditional courtroom drama, OMG featured several courtroom sequences and legal questions about religion, faith, and insurance. Paresh Rawal plays an atheist shopkeeper who sues God after his shop is destroyed in an earthquake, since the insurance company claims the disaster is an ‘Act of God.’
Akshay enters the scene as a suave, scooter-riding modern-day Lord Krishna who guides Paresh’s character through the complexities of blind faith and organised religion. His role is more divine observer than direct courtroom participant, but his influence on the case’s progression is undeniable.
Where to watch: Jio Hotstar
5. OMG 2
OMG 2 follows the story of Kanti Sharan Mudgal (played by Pankaj Tripathi), a devout father whose world turns upside down when his son is expelled from school over an incident deemed obscene.
Determined to seek justice and challenge the stigma around sex education, Kanti files a case against the school system. Guided by a mysterious messenger of Lord Shiva (played by Akshay), he embarks on a legal battle to advocate for comprehensive sex education in schools.
The film, also starring Yami Gautam as a lawyer, mixes courtroom drama with social commentary, addressing taboos with sensitivity, humour, and a strong message about awareness and acceptance.
Where to watch: Netflix
6. Aitraaz
Aitraaz is a 2004 thriller where Raj Malhotra (Akshay), a successful executive, finds his life turned upside down when his ex-girlfriend Sonia (Priyanka Chopra), now his boss’ wife, falsely accuses him of sexual harassment after he rejects her advances.
The film explores themes of power, ambition, and gender dynamics. Raj, with the help of his wife Priya (Kareena Kapoor Khan), a lawyer, decides to fight back.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Zee5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkQORU9eN9A
The courtroom scenes in Aitraaz are gripping, reversing typical gender roles, as Raj defends his dignity against a manipulative woman in power. The intense legal battle features emotional testimonies and sharp arguments
