Akshay Kumar's latest film, Kesari Chapter 2, hit theaters on April 18, 2025, marking a significant event in Bollywood as it coincides with the 106th anniversary of the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This historical courtroom drama, directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, stars Kumar as C. Sankaran Nair, a brave lawyer who fought against the British Empire in the aftermath of the massacre. The film also features R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday in pivotal roles, adding to the anticipation surrounding its release.
Before its official debut, Kesari Chapter 2 had already generated considerable buzz, with advance ticket sales reaching approximately Rs 3 crore. The film's advance bookings indicated strong public interest, with over 57,000 tickets sold across more than 4,400 shows nationwide. This impressive pre-release performance set the stage for what many hoped would be a triumphant return for Kumar, who has faced a challenging box office landscape in recent years.
Industry experts were optimistic about the film's opening day performance, predicting earnings between Rs 10 to 12 crore. As the day progressed, initial figures suggested that the film had garnered around Rs 2.81 crore in net collections by the afternoon, with expectations for a boost during evening and night shows due to the Good Friday holiday.
According to reports from industry tracker Sacnilk, Kesari Chapter 2 had already made a notable impact with its advance bookings, pulling in Rs 1.84 crore gross, excluding blocked seats. The film's reach was extensive, with regional distribution showing strong numbers: Maharashtra had 814 shows, Gujarat 594, Delhi 413, and Punjab 199. This wide distribution is crucial for the film's overall success, especially given its regional connections and themes.
The narrative of Kesari Chapter 2 is rooted in historical events, focusing on Nair's legal battle against Michael O'Dwyer, who played a significant role in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film is based on the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, bringing a mix of courtroom drama and patriotic fervor to the audience.
Akshay Kumar's portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair is seen as a crucial role in his career, especially after a string of films that did not perform well at the box office, including Sarfira, Selfiee, and Ram Setu. The actor is aiming to reclaim his status as a leading figure in Bollywood, and Kesari Chapter 2 provides a platform for him to do just that.
As the film opened to audiences, the early reviews were largely positive, with many praising the performances of the lead actors, particularly Kumar and Madhavan. Social media buzz indicated that viewers found the film to be a 'must-watch' for its authenticity and emotional depth, suggesting that word of mouth could significantly influence its box office trajectory.
While the film's genre is more niche compared to Kumar's previous mass appeal projects, the historical context and the emotional weight of the story could resonate well with audiences, particularly in urban centers like Mumbai and Delhi. The film's success in these regions will be crucial, especially with the strong competition from other recent releases.
In addition to its box office potential, Kesari Chapter 2 serves as a reminder of the importance of historical narratives in Indian cinema. By focusing on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the subsequent legal battles, the film not only entertains but also educates viewers about a pivotal moment in India's fight for independence.
As for the future, the coming days will be telling. The film's performance will hinge on audience reception and critical reviews, with many hoping that it will mark a turning point for Kumar's career. If the film can maintain momentum through the weekend, it may well signal a resurgence for the actor in the highly competitive Bollywood landscape.
In conclusion, Kesari Chapter 2 represents not just a film release but a significant cultural moment, intertwining entertainment with a deep historical narrative that resonates with the Indian public. As viewers flock to theaters, the film's box office performance will be closely watched, with the potential to redefine Akshay Kumar's standing in the industry.
