Alexx O'Nell reveals many of his scenes were cut from Kesari 2: 'It was disappointing...'

India.com

02-05-2025

Alexx O'Nell reveals many of his scenes were cut from Kesari 2: 'It was disappointing...'| Exclusive
American actor-musician Alexx O'Nell recently starred in Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh , a spiritual successor to Akshay Kumar's 2019 hit Kesari. Since its release, the film has been receiving positive reviews from critics and audiences. In the patriotic action drama, Alexx portrayed the character of Lord Chelmsford. The actor garnered spotlight since its trailer release as audiences eagerly awaited for his performance. In an exclusive interview with india.com , Alexx opened up about his character, and how most of his scenes shot in the film couldn't make it to the silver screen. Alexx O'Nell Opens up About His Edited Scenes in Kesari 2
For the uninitiated, Chelmsford was the Viceroy of India during the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. Alex who portrayed the role of the British Army officer, had limited screen time in the film, although he shot several scenes with Akshay Kumar. 'We shot a lot that didn't make it into the final cut, but it's fine. I had some wonderful scenes with Akshay which I would have love to see on the big screen, but this is what happens. I shot a couple of films, but I am not sure will they release yet, and that's even worst. So, I am grateful for the opportunity that I got.' Alexx shared.
When asked Alexx, whether he was disappointed that many of his scenes were removed from the final cut, the actor expressed, 'When we shoot films, in the back of your head you always know that you are shooting far more than you need. There are few exceptions that few directors shoot every scene only what they need and nothing else, but most directors will shoot a far longer film anticipating releasing not always by design, you know the psychology of things, you think more is going to fit and when you finally get down to the edit, you found most of the scenes didn't made it to the final cut. So, as an actor, I always try to enjoy each part of the process, I enjoy the shooting and obviously when I go to the theatre, I hope that all of the scenes I shot are going to be there. And when they aren't, it is disappointing, it is sad'
Comparing Kesari 2 to his other recent release Phule, the actor mentioned that all of his scenes were included in the latter and made it to the final cut. 'But if talk about Phule every scene I shot, end it to the final cut. In Kesari, that wasn't the case, unfortunately. So, of course there will be a disappointment, I would love to see all of my scenes up on the big screen, but to be honest with you there are so many characters in the film (Kesari 2), there are so many scenes that were cut and if all the scenes we shot would be in the final cut, it will be a four hour movie, and nobody would go see it. So, this is how it goes in the business, unfortunately. So, I understand sometimes, it is disappointing, sometimes it is not.' Alexx said.
Helmed by Karan Tyagi, Kesari 2 was released on April 18, 2025. The historical saga, which also stars R Madhavan and Ananya Panday, tells the gripping story of a lawyer challenging the British Raj post the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Alexx O'Nell Breaks Silence on Phule Controversy
Alexx O'Nell who has also been the part of Anand Mahadevan's recent release Phule , addressed the controversy that the film faced prior its release. Starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa in the lead roles, the biopic tells the story of social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, who fought cast and gender injustice in the 19th century. The film faced certain objections majorly from Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj and Parshuram Aarthik Vikas Mahamandal organisations, resulting in a two-week delay in its release. Sharing his thoughts, Alexx said he felt the reactions to the film may have been a bit premature. He believes it's important to watch and understand the film first before forming any opinions about its content.
He said, 'Look, if you have a problem with an idea or a perspective that is presented in the film, instead of trying to remove that perspective, let it be seen and tell people why that that perspective is wrong. Because if you remove everything that you disagree with, no body is ever gonna see the wrong perspective or your opinion and people don't gonna know that it even exist.' Alexx further added, 'Unless you confront them, unless you tell people why you disagree, people are gonna stick to those things. So my point is allow the films to be seen and then have a discussion about it, whether you like it or not.'
The actor noted that the film like Phule, made on a modest budget, already faced challenges in reaching theatres. On top of that, a delayed released and limited screenings disrupt its momentum. 'A film like this on real-life heroes, a film without any action or explosion, it takes a lot to get it into theatres and it is so important that it does get into the theatres. If you read the reviews, you will see the film got a lot of appreciation, but you will also see that it only has 2-3 shows a day in each theatre in all over Mumbai. So, it is such a struggle to get into theatre already that when people object and get it delay, it takes a bit of the momentum away and that makes me very sad,' Alexx shared.
Phule finally had its theatrical release on April 25, with certain changes recommended by the censor board. Alexx portrayed the role of Ribbs Jones in the film.