More than a decade after the quirky misfire Joker hit theatres—and promptly missed its mark—American actor-musician Alexx O’Nell is back alongside Akshay Kumar, this time in a far more serious setting. The upcoming courtroom historical drama Kesari: Chapter 2, slated for release on April 18, reunites the duo for what Alexx hopes will be a shot at redemption—cinematically, and symbolically.
In a candid chat with The Indian Express SCREEN, Alexx didn't shy away from the memory of Joker. In fact, he and Akshay shared a laugh about their much-maligned 2012 outing while filming the new project. "It has to do better than the first film Akshay and I did together— Joker! We met after all these years and started working together on Kesari. Obviously, we shared a bit of a laugh about the film," he recalled, adding with a grin that while critics panned it, his friends’ children still adore its whimsical unpredictability.
But Alexx is clear— Kesari 2 is a different beast. “This is a much more serious subject and a very important, heart-hitting film. My expectations are quite high. I don’t look at it just as a movie made for entertainment value, but a film made to give another angle and perspective,” he explained, noting that he’s eagerly awaiting the final cut alongside the full cast.
Facing the Legend: On Set with Mohanlal in L2: Empuraan
While Kesari 2 is yet to take its bow, Alexx is already riding high on the success of another major project— L2: Empuraan, the much-anticipated sequel to Lucifer, starring Malayalam cinema titan Mohanlal. O’Nell’s role in the film may have been modest, but the reception was anything but.
“The love has been overwhelming,” he shared. “I wasn’t expecting such a warm response. It really shocked me just how well received the film was internationally and domestically, in so many markets. I’m very appreciative of all the messages and love coming my way.”
Even so, Alexx remains grounded, acknowledging the magnetic presence of his co-star Mohanlal. “It’s always a little intimidating when someone like him walks onto the set. All eyes naturally turn to him,” he said. “He’s so humble, though, that even if you are starstruck, it quickly dissipates. He came up to me, introduced himself, and we chatted. He’s such a down-to-earth guy, you forget that he’s a globally recognised superstar.”
Unshaken by Stardom: Why Alexx Doesn’t Get Starstruck
Despite working with the biggest names in Indian cinema—Amitabh Bachchan, Tabu, Randeep Hooda, even dancing on stage with Shah Rukh Khan—Alexx maintains an unusual distance from stardom’s dazzle. “I didn’t grow up in this industry or country, so I lack that starstruck reaction most of the time,” he admitted. “That actually helps me stay focused and do my job properly. My job is to be the best possible scene partner to whoever I’m working with.”
With more than 15 years of work across Indian film industries—from Hindi to Tamil, Bengali to Malayalam—Alexx O’Nell has crafted a niche for himself. He may not be the one everyone’s eyes are on when Mohanlal walks into the frame, but in his quiet confidence and cross-cultural cinematic journey, he’s clearly someone worth watching. And if Kesari: Chapter 2 hits the right note, it might just be the long-overdue encore to a story that began with a misstep—but is now marching toward something far more powerful.
In a candid chat with The Indian Express SCREEN, Alexx didn't shy away from the memory of Joker. In fact, he and Akshay shared a laugh about their much-maligned 2012 outing while filming the new project. "It has to do better than the first film Akshay and I did together— Joker! We met after all these years and started working together on Kesari. Obviously, we shared a bit of a laugh about the film," he recalled, adding with a grin that while critics panned it, his friends’ children still adore its whimsical unpredictability.
But Alexx is clear— Kesari 2 is a different beast. “This is a much more serious subject and a very important, heart-hitting film. My expectations are quite high. I don’t look at it just as a movie made for entertainment value, but a film made to give another angle and perspective,” he explained, noting that he’s eagerly awaiting the final cut alongside the full cast.
Facing the Legend: On Set with Mohanlal in L2: Empuraan
While Kesari 2 is yet to take its bow, Alexx is already riding high on the success of another major project— L2: Empuraan, the much-anticipated sequel to Lucifer, starring Malayalam cinema titan Mohanlal. O’Nell’s role in the film may have been modest, but the reception was anything but.
“The love has been overwhelming,” he shared. “I wasn’t expecting such a warm response. It really shocked me just how well received the film was internationally and domestically, in so many markets. I’m very appreciative of all the messages and love coming my way.”
Even so, Alexx remains grounded, acknowledging the magnetic presence of his co-star Mohanlal. “It’s always a little intimidating when someone like him walks onto the set. All eyes naturally turn to him,” he said. “He’s so humble, though, that even if you are starstruck, it quickly dissipates. He came up to me, introduced himself, and we chatted. He’s such a down-to-earth guy, you forget that he’s a globally recognised superstar.”
Unshaken by Stardom: Why Alexx Doesn’t Get Starstruck
Despite working with the biggest names in Indian cinema—Amitabh Bachchan, Tabu, Randeep Hooda, even dancing on stage with Shah Rukh Khan—Alexx maintains an unusual distance from stardom’s dazzle. “I didn’t grow up in this industry or country, so I lack that starstruck reaction most of the time,” he admitted. “That actually helps me stay focused and do my job properly. My job is to be the best possible scene partner to whoever I’m working with.”
With more than 15 years of work across Indian film industries—from Hindi to Tamil, Bengali to Malayalam—Alexx O’Nell has crafted a niche for himself. He may not be the one everyone’s eyes are on when Mohanlal walks into the frame, but in his quiet confidence and cross-cultural cinematic journey, he’s clearly someone worth watching. And if Kesari: Chapter 2 hits the right note, it might just be the long-overdue encore to a story that began with a misstep—but is now marching toward something far more powerful.
You may also like
Black jeans will 'never fade' if you add 1 natural item to the washing machine drawer
David Oyelowo opens up on 'surreal and unique' Apple series that's a 'career first'
Britain's surge in vaping appears to be at an end as youngsters ditch disposable e-cigarettes
Easter getaway made easier as roadworks to be lifted on these 9 roads and motorways
Botched Brazilian butt lift surgery victim welcomes ban on dodgy BBL and cosmetic ads
