Kesari Chapter 2: Box Office Performance and Public Reaction

Kesari Chapter 2 Box Office Collections

Kesari Chapter 2, the historical courtroom drama starring Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan and Ananya Panday, released in theaters on April 18, 2025 (Good Friday). The film is based on the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and has generated significant buzz. Let's take a detailed look at its box office performance and audience reception so far.

Opening Weekend Collections

The film opened to somewhat lower than expected numbers on its first day:

• Day 1 (Friday): ₹7.75 crore net in India

This was slightly disappointing as trade analysts were expecting the film to open in double digits, around ₹10-15 crore. For comparison, Akshay Kumar's previous film Sky Force had opened at ₹12.25 crore.

However, the film showed growth over the weekend:

• Day 2 (Saturday): ₹9.75 crore net (25% jump)
• Day 3 (Sunday): ₹12.25 crore net

The total 3-day opening weekend collection in India was approximately ₹30 crore net.

Weekday Performance

The crucial Monday test saw the film hold steady:

• Day 4 (Monday): ₹4.59 crore net

This was considered a decent hold for a weekday. The total 4-day India net collection reached ₹34.09 crore.

Current Box Office Figures

As of Day 5 (Tuesday), the film's collections stand at:

• India Net: ₹34.09 crore (4 days)
• India Gross: ₹40 crore
• Overseas: ₹16 crore
• Worldwide Gross: ₹56 crore

The film has crossed the ₹50 crore mark worldwide and become the 7th highest grossing Hindi film of 2025 so far. It has surpassed films like Emergency and Fateh, though it still trails behind Jatt Sikh which released around the same time.

Budget and Profitability

Kesari Chapter 2 reportedly has a high budget of over ₹150 crore. To be considered a hit, it will need to cross the ₹150 crore mark. For an average performance, it needs to earn at least ₹100-125 crore.

Currently, the film is showing steady performance but will need strong holds on weekdays to reach a hit status. The lack of major releases this week gives it a chance to consolidate its position in theaters.

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Public and Critical Reception

Audience Reaction

The public response to Kesari Chapter 2 has been largely positive:

• Many viewers are calling it a "cinematic masterpiece"
• The performances of Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan and Ananya Panday are being widely praised
• The Jallianwala Bagh sequence is described as powerful and goosebump-inducing
• Fans are appreciating the film's patriotic theme and historical significance

Some comments from social media:

"Akshay Kumar looks terrific, R Madhavan is brilliant, and Ananya Panday was a surprise package."

"The Jallianwala Bagh sequence is so powerful, it literally gives you goosebumps. A must-watch for every Indian."

Critical Reviews

Film critics have also responded positively to the movie:

• Hindustan Times praised the tight dialogues and screenplay, saying every scene elicits applause
• Times of India called the chemistry between Akshay and Ananya impactful and lauded R Madhavan's intense performance
• Critics are appreciating the film's modern lens on a historical event
• The blend of patriotism, courage and sacrifice is being highlighted

Key Strengths

Some aspects of the film that are resonating strongly with audiences:

1. Historical significance: The film is not just entertainment but offers important historical lessons
2. Performances: Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan and Ananya Panday have delivered strong performances
3. Courtroom drama: The legal proceedings are portrayed in an engaging manner
4. Youth connect: The modern take on history is appealing to younger urban audiences
5. Inspirational tone: Ananya's character arc from nervous to confident lawyer is motivating for youngsters
6. Dialogues: Powerful dialogues are evoking strong emotions and patriotic sentiments

Future Prospects

If the film maintains its steady performance, trade analysts predict:

• First week collections could reach around ₹60 crore
• With strong word-of-mouth, it has potential to enter the ₹100 crore club
• The lack of major releases this week gives it a chance to strengthen its hold in theaters

However, the film will need to show strong holds on weekdays to achieve hit status, given its high budget.

Interesting Trivia

An exact replica of Jallianwala Bagh was created on sets in Mumbai and Delhi for shooting key sequences. Akshay Kumar stated that this role was not just acting for him, but a duty as an Indian.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was a pivotal moment in India's freedom struggle. Before the incident, there was some sentiment in India about the possibility of co-existence with British rule. However, the brutality of the massacre changed public opinion dramatically and galvanized the independence movement.

Conclusion

Kesari Chapter 2 has made a steady start at the box office, backed by positive word-of-mouth and critical acclaim. While it hasn't set the box office on fire, it is showing promise with its meaningful content and strong performances. The coming days will be crucial in determining if it can sustain momentum and achieve hit status. The film's blend of history, patriotism and courtroom drama seems to be striking a chord with audiences, especially the youth. Its success could pave the way for more such historically significant films that educate while entertaining.

Image Credit: IMDB