Akshay Kumar's latest film, Kesari Chapter 2, has opened to mixed reviews and a lukewarm box office performance on its first day. Released on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, the film has collected an estimated ₹5.46 crore by 7:30 PM, according to early estimates from trade tracker Sacnilk.
Despite being one of the most anticipated releases of the year, Kesari Chapter 2 struggled to capture audience interest. The film, which features Kumar alongside R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, had about 3619 shows scheduled across India. It recorded an overall occupancy of 16.22% on its opening day, with morning shows at 12.67% and a slight increase to 19.76% in the afternoon.
The first installment, Kesari, released in 2019, had a much stronger debut, opening at ₹21.06 crore and ultimately earning ₹208.80 crore worldwide. Directed by Anurag Singh and produced by Dharma Productions, the first film was based on the historical Battle of Saragarhi. In contrast, Kesari Chapter 2 delves into the aftermath of the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, exploring the legal battle that ensued.
Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the sequel aims to shed light on the historical significance of the Jallianwala Bagh incident and the fight for justice that followed. Critics have noted that the film is a call for an apology from the British government for the massacre, a demand that has lingered for over a century. The film's narrative centers around C. Sankaran Nair, portrayed by Kumar, who was instrumental in suing the British Empire for its actions during the massacre.
In her review, Indian Express critic Shubhra Gupta noted, "Kesari Chapter 2, by Dharma Productions and Adar Poonawala, is a film of its time, for its time, unpacking a tragic chapter of our past with dollops of explanatory, patriotic fervour." This sentiment reflects the film's attempt to blend historical facts with a dramatic narrative, although some critics argue that it takes excessive creative liberties.
As the film progresses, it showcases Nair's legal battle against General Reginald Dyer, who ordered the open fire on unarmed protesters. The film opens with harrowing scenes of the massacre, setting the tone for the emotional and legal struggles that follow. Yet, some reviewers have criticized the film for its oversimplification of complex historical events.
In terms of box office competition, Kesari Chapter 2 faces challenges from other releases, including Sunny Deol's Jaat. Early estimates indicated that Kesari Chapter 2 could potentially open at ₹10 crore if positive reviews continued to emerge. However, its initial performance has not surpassed that of Kumar's previous film, Sky Force, which collected ₹12.25 crore on its opening day earlier this year.
Despite the mixed reviews, the film has garnered positive feedback for its performances. Critics have praised Kumar's portrayal of Nair, highlighting his commanding screen presence and emotional depth. Ananya Panday's role as budding lawyer Dilreet Gill has also been commended, although some reviewers noted areas for improvement in her emotional scenes. R. Madhavan, playing advocate Neville McKinley, adds depth to the film with his performance.
The film's narrative is based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, which examines the legal proceedings following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film's creative team has emphasized that while it draws from real events, it is ultimately a work of fiction designed to provoke thought and dialogue.
However, some critics have raised concerns about the film's historical accuracy and its portrayal of key figures. One review pointed out that while the film seeks to expose the atrocities of the British Empire, it risks oversimplifying the complexities of history for the sake of entertainment. The film has been described as a commercial entertainer, balancing drama with historical elements, yet some believe it may mislead younger audiences unfamiliar with the actual events.
As the film continues to screen across theaters, its box office performance will likely be closely monitored, especially in light of its competition. The outcome may influence future projects exploring historical narratives within Indian cinema, as filmmakers navigate the fine line between artistic expression and historical fidelity.
With its ambitious subject matter and star-studded cast, Kesari Chapter 2 aims to resonate with audiences while sparking conversations about the past and its implications for the present. Whether it succeeds in doing so remains to be seen as viewers weigh the film's emotional impact against its historical representation.
Ultimately, Kesari Chapter 2 serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue surrounding historical events and the narratives that shape our understanding of them. As audiences engage with the film, the hope is that it will encourage reflection on the past and inspire a renewed call for acknowledgment and accountability.
