Akshay Kumar's latest film, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, has made a notable impact at the box office since its release on April 18, 2025. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and featuring a star-studded cast including R Madhavan and Ananya Panday, the film has garnered attention for its portrayal of the tragic events surrounding the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.
As of April 21, 2025, Kesari Chapter 2 has amassed a total net collection of ₹29.75 crores in India. The film opened with ₹7.75 crores on its first day, followed by ₹9.75 crores on the second day, and an impressive ₹12.25 crores on its third day, signaling a positive trajectory. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh noted on X, "The growth on Saturday, followed by a jump on Sunday, has placed Kesari Chapter 2 in a much better position, considering its ordinary start on Friday morning."
Despite its solid opening weekend, Kesari Chapter 2 still trails behind Akshay Kumar's previous films. The film has not yet matched the success of Sky Force, which collected over ₹60 crores within its first three days earlier this year. In comparison, the first installment of the franchise, Kesari, had a far more lucrative opening, raking in ₹56.56 crores in its first weekend.
On April 20, 2025, the film's overall occupancy rate was reported at 32.23 percent, with Chennai leading at 72.25 percent occupancy among its 47 shows. Other major cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru also showed strong attendance, with occupancy rates of 46.25 percent and 43.50 percent, respectively. In contrast, Mumbai's occupancy was lower at 28.75 percent, reflecting varying audience engagement across regions.
In the competitive landscape of the Indian box office, Kesari Chapter 2 is also facing challenges from other films. Sunny Deol's Jaat, which has been performing robustly, neared the ₹75 crore mark within its first 11 days, further emphasizing the stiff competition in the market. According to film trade portal Sacnilk, Jaat made ₹61.65 crore in its first week and continued to attract audiences with steady collections over its second weekend.
On the critical front, Kesari Chapter 2 has received mixed reviews. While some critics praised the film's ambition and performances, others criticized it for lacking depth in its storytelling. A review from The Hindu remarked, "The camera captures the massacre with the intent to provoke and set the stage for an enraged Akshay. Tyagi gets so engrossed in serving his star that the storytelling goes for a toss." This highlights the ongoing debate regarding the balance between star power and narrative substance in contemporary cinema.
Akshay Kumar's personal connection to the Jallianwala Bagh incident adds a layer of significance to the film. In a recent statement, he expressed his desire for the British government and King Charles to watch Kesari Chapter 2, stating, "I'm not here with a begging bowl to say, 'They should say sorry'. I want them to at least watch this movie and realize the mistake." This sentiment underscores the film's potential to spark dialogue about historical accountability.
As the film approaches its first Monday, projections indicate a potential dip in box office performance due to the weekday shift, with estimates suggesting a collection of ₹5-6 crores. However, the film's overall trajectory remains hopeful, especially with no major releases until May 1, which could allow it to maintain momentum during the crucial first week.
In summary, Kesari Chapter 2 has made a commendable start at the box office, with strong performances and significant audience interest. As it navigates the competitive landscape and critical scrutiny, the film's ability to sustain its box office momentum will be closely monitored in the coming days.
