Despite a modest opening of ₹7.5–8 crore, the courtroom drama centered on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre wins praise and is expected to pick up steam over the weekend.
April 19, 2025: Akshay Kumar’s latest film Kesari Chapter 2, co-starring R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, got off to a decent start at the domestic box office on its opening day, collecting an estimated ₹7.5 to ₹8 crore nett on Friday.
Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the film is based on the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, telling the story of Sir C. Sankaran Nair, who challenged British colonial brutality in court.
📊 How It Compares:
- Kesari (2019): Opened at ₹21 crore nett
- Kesari Chapter 2 (2025): ₹7.5–8 crore nett
While the sequel opened lower than the original, it’s bolstered by strong word-of-mouth and positive reviews, and is likely to witness substantial weekend growth, especially in north Indian circuits.
🎬 What Critics Are Saying:
India Today rated the film 3.5 stars, calling it “emotionally stirring” despite technical flaws.
“The film first stirs your emotions and then ignites a fire that refuses to die down.”
🧭 The Plot:
Kesari Chapter 2 follows the story of Sir C. Sankaran Nair, who sues General Reginald Dyer and the British Empire after the 1919 massacre. Nair, with co-counsel Dilreet Gill, not only exposed the atrocity but also wrote a groundbreaking book on the case that shook colonial foundations.
🔍 What’s Next?
With a solid patriotic theme, courtroom drama, and positive audience feedback, Kesari Chapter 2 is expected to climb the box office ladder over the weekend. All eyes are on whether it can surpass the lifetime earnings of its predecessor.
🏷️ Tags:
Kesari Chapter 2, Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, Ananya Panday, Kesari 2 box office, Bollywood collections, Dharma Productions, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Karan Johar, courtroom drama, patriotic films, Bollywood 2025 releases