Akshay Kumar’s highly-anticipated historical courtroom drama Kesari Chapter 2 is generating significant buzz ahead of its release on April 18, 2025. The film, directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, stars Akshay Kumar alongside Ananya Panday and R. Madhavan, and is based on the gripping non-fiction book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu and Pushpa Palat. This sequel to the critically acclaimed Kesari (2019), which grossed an impressive Rs 207.09 crore at the box office, aims to replicate its predecessor's success.
Advance ticket sales for Kesari Chapter 2 opened on April 16, 2025, and initial figures indicate a strong start. Within just a few hours, the film managed to mint Rs 12.65 lakh by selling 4,034 tickets across 1,948 shows, according to the trade website Sacnilk. If block bookings are included, the total gross rises to an estimated Rs 1.02 crore, with 102,197 tickets sold overall. For context, the advance booking for Chhaava reached Rs 13.85 crore while Sikandar made Rs 10.08 crore, both including block bookings.
The film has 1,969 shows scheduled nationwide, with the National Capital Region (NCR) leading the way, generating Rs 3.54 lakh from advance bookings. Mumbai and Bengaluru contributed Rs 1.48 lakh each, while Punjab accounted for Rs 54.37K in early sales. This promising start has raised hopes that Kesari Chapter 2 could break Akshay Kumar’s recent box office slump, as his previous films like Sky Force, Khel Khel Mein, and Mission Raniganj have not performed well.
Critics and audiences alike have begun to weigh in on the film, with early screenings yielding a mix of praise and criticism. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who attended a special screening, called the film "a marvelous movie" and expressed her desire to see the entire film, stating, "I always say we won't get an opportunity to die for our country, but we can start to live for our country." Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri echoed this sentiment, describing Kesari Chapter 2 as a "powerful, deeply moving and evocative cinematic ode to India’s freedom movement." He noted that the film's gripping narrative transports viewers into the courtroom where Akshay Kumar's character, C. Sankaran Nair, confronts the harsh truths of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Despite the initial acclaim, some viewers have expressed reservations. A lawyer and politician shared on social media that they were captivated by the film, stating, "I didn’t even blink in the first half! INCREDIBLE! Take a bow @akshaykumar. Your finest yet!" However, another critic dismissed it as "old wine in a new bottle," asserting that Akshay Kumar was miscast in the role. They described the film as strictly for high-class multiplexes and criticized its production values.
The film's subject matter is particularly relevant, focusing on the historical figure of Chettur Sankaran Nair, who took a stand against British rule following the tragic events of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. This shift from action-packed narratives to a courtroom drama may not resonate instantly with audiences accustomed to Akshay's commercial entertainers. Nevertheless, the film's strong themes of patriotism and justice could attract viewers who appreciate impactful storytelling.
As the release date approaches, industry insiders remain cautiously optimistic. The film's unique narrative and Akshay Kumar's star power could drive audience turnout, especially if word-of-mouth reviews are favorable. The film's early reception suggests that while it may not open to blockbuster numbers, it has the potential to grow steadily over the weekend.
Moreover, Kesari Chapter 2 has received endorsements from several prominent political figures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently acknowledged the legacy of C. Sankaran Nair, praising the film's efforts to highlight historical contributions to India's freedom struggle. This recognition from high-profile leaders could further enhance the film's visibility and appeal among patriotic audiences.
In addition to the positive buzz from early screenings, the film's marketing strategy has also played a crucial role in building anticipation. With the trailer generating significant interest, many fans are eager to see how the film portrays a pivotal moment in Indian history. The combination of a strong cast, a compelling story, and a timely release may help Kesari Chapter 2 carve out its own niche in the competitive cinematic landscape.
As the film prepares for its theatrical debut, all eyes are on the box office figures and audience reactions. Will Kesari Chapter 2 manage to break the trend of Akshay Kumar's recent underperformers? Only time will tell, but the early signs indicate that this courtroom drama could be the film that turns the tide for the beloved actor.
With a release just around the corner, fans and critics alike are eager to see if Kesari Chapter 2 can deliver a powerful message while entertaining audiences. The film not only aims to provide a gripping narrative but also seeks to honor the sacrifices made during a significant chapter of India's history.
