'Kesari 2' box-office report: Akshay Kumar's patriotic film falls behind it's predecessor's first day earnings

Kesari Chapter 2, starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, made its theatrical debut as one of the most awaited releases of the year. Centered on the harrowing yet heroic events surrounding the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the film has received largely positive reviews from audiences and critics alike. According to the latest data from Sacnilk, the movie opened with a respectable day one collection, earning an estimated ₹7.5 crore at the domestic box office.

The film’s performance on Friday showed a moderate start, recording an overall Hindi occupancy rate of 17.40%. The morning shows had a lower turnout, with occupancy at 12.67%, but viewership gradually picked up in the afternoon and evening, increasing to 19.76%. While these numbers indicate growing interest, Kesari Chapter 2 fell short of surpassing the opening of it's predecessor 'Kesari'. The 2019 movie opened big, collecting Rs 21 crore on the day of release.

A historical courtroom drama, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh casts Akshay Kumar as C. Sankaran Nair, the brave barrister who dared to take on the British Empire in pursuit of justice for the massacre’s victims. R. Madhavan plays the role of Advocate Neville McKinley, while Ananya Panday features as Dilreet Gill, a young journalist drawn into the legal battle. The film’s gripping narrative explores both the brutality of colonial rule and the courage of those who resisted it.

Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi in his debut venture, the film has been produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films. With its patriotic theme and emotional depth, Kesari Chapter 2 aims to connect with audiences nationwide. Though the opening day numbers are modest, positive word-of-mouth could help the film gain momentum over the weekend.