Kesari Chapter 2, the much-anticipated period drama starring Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, finally hit the silver screens on April 18, 2025, and opened with a decent performance at the Indian box office. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film explores a powerful historical narrative centered around C Sankaran Nair, the man who stood up for truth in the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film managed to pull in ₹7.5 crore on its first day of release, according to early estimates from industry tracker Sacnilk.

Despite being a working Friday, Kesari Chapter 2 got a positive start, largely helped by strong word of mouth, early reviews, and the legacy of the first film, Kesari (2019). Critics and viewers alike have praised the film for its emotionally moving storyline, power-packed performances, and historical accuracy.

Box Office Numbers – Day 1 Performance

The film’s day 1 collection of ₹7.5 crore is considered respectable, especially for a film that belongs to the period drama genre, which often has a niche audience. With Akshay Kumar’s brand value and R Madhavan’s critically appreciated presence, the movie managed to attract attention across major urban centers.

Kesari Chapter 2: Region-wise Occupancy Rates on Day 1

The region-wise theatre occupancy paints a promising picture for the movie’s weekend prospects. The film started slow in the morning shows with just 12.67% occupancy, but gained momentum in the evening (19.76%) and night shows (27.80%), indicating strong word-of-mouth promotion.

Here’s a look at Hindi occupancy rates across key regions:

• Chennai: 51.25%

• Bengaluru: 30.50%

• National Capital Region (NCR): 25%

• Hyderabad: 24.75%

• Lucknow: 22%

The highest footfall was seen in Chennai, which recorded an impressive 51.25% occupancy, unusual for a Hindi-language historical drama in a region dominated by local cinema. This reflects the pan-India appeal of Akshay Kumar and the growing popularity of content-rich historical films.

Bengaluru and NCR followed with over 25% occupancy, and other cities like Hyderabad and Lucknow also registered healthy turnout.

What Makes Kesari Chapter 2 Stand Out

This sequel is not a direct continuation of the 2019 film but is rather a spiritual follow-up, carrying forward the theme of valor, sacrifice, and national pride. While Kesari showcased the Battle of Saragarhi, Kesari Chapter 2 delves into the aftermath of British colonial atrocities, highlighting the efforts of legal and political personalities like C Sankaran Nair.

According to early reviews, the film scores high on the following:

• Historical storytelling

• Strong performances, particularly by Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, and Ananya Panday

• Authentic production design and emotional depth

Critics like Jaya Dwivedie of India TV have called it a “must-watch”, giving the film a solid 4 out of 5 stars and praising its honest portrayal of a dark yet crucial chapter in Indian history.

Trade Expectations and Weekend Forecast

Trade analysts are cautiously optimistic about Kesari Chapter 2's future collections. While it had a moderate start, the real test lies in the weekend numbers, where family audiences and historical cinema enthusiasts are expected to flock to theatres.

One factor to watch out for is the competition from Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda's starrer Jaat, which is catering to the mass entertainer segment. However, given that Kesari Chapter 2 offers something unique and patriotic, it may continue to hold ground in metros and tier-1 cities.

Moreover, advance bookings for Saturday and Sunday are reportedly picking up, and word-of-mouth buzz on social media platforms is generally positive, with many users praising the film for educating and moving audiences emotionally.

Akshay Kumar's Box Office Run

For Akshay Kumar, this film is being seen as a critical project after a few underwhelming box office performances in 2024. The first day collection of ₹7.5 crore may not break records, but it does reflect a rebound in public interest, especially when backed by strong storytelling and positive audience feedback.

His chemistry with R Madhavan has also drawn attention, and both actors are receiving praise for their restrained yet powerful portrayals.

Final Verdict

Kesari Chapter 2 has set the stage for a solid weekend. The day 1 numbers, while not record-breaking, are encouraging given the genre and timing. With word of mouth, regional support, and positive reviews, it might just achieve a steady and successful box office run.

It remains to be seen how the numbers evolve over the weekend, but one thing is certain — Kesari Chapter 2 has reignited the flame of patriotic historical cinema, and audiences are responding.

Stay tuned for more updates on Kesari Chapter 2’s box office journey, including weekend collection trends, audience reactions, and performance reviews.

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