Kesari Chapter 2 Box Office Report:
Akshay Kumar’s highly anticipated historical drama, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, opened to a modest ₹5.46 crore on its first day (April 18). The film, backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, features R Madhavan and Ananya Panday in pivotal roles and explores the legal battle following the 1919 .Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Despite positive reviews, the film’s Day 1 earnings were lower than expected, especially compared to the ₹21.06 crore opening of its 2019 predecessor, Kesari. Early estimates from trade tracker Sacnilk reported an overall Hindi occupancy of 17.40%, with morning shows at 12.67% and afternoon/evening shows rising to 19.76%.
Mixed Box Office Performance:
- Day 1 Collection: ₹5.46 crore (as of 7:30 PM, per Sacnilk).
- Screen Count: 3,619 shows across India.
- Comparison: Falls short of Kesari (₹21.06 crore opening) and recent releases like Sikandar and Jaat.
Film’s Reception & Cast Performance:
Critics praised Akshay Kumar’s powerful portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair, the lawyer who challenged the British Raj, while Ananya Panday and R Madhavan received appreciation for their supporting roles. The Hindustan Times noted, “Akshay gives his all in the climax… his commanding screen presence is tapped into very well.”
Director’s Vision & Audience Appeal:
Directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi, the film is based on the book The Case That Shook the Empire. Akshay urged audiences not to miss the first 10 minutes, which depict the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, calling it the “most important part.”
What’s Next?
With the extended Good Friday weekend, trade analysts are keen to see if Kesari Chapter 2 gains momentum. The film’s performance will determine whether it can match Kesari’s eventual ₹208 crore global haul.
Final Verdict:
While the film’s patriotic fervor and courtroom drama have resonated with critics, its box office success hinges on word-of-mouth and weekend numbers.
Also read: Akshay Kumar’s Kesari 2 trailer highlights Jallianwala Bagh massacre
