Kesari Chapter 2 Box Office Collection Day 1: Akshay Kumar’s Legal Drama Opens Strong Despite Leak

The spirit of India’s freedom struggle echoed once again on the silver screen as Kesari Chapter 2 debuted with an emotional and powerful portrayal of post-Jallianwala Bagh history. Starring Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, the courtroom drama narrates the legal battle fought by C. Sankaran Nair against the British Empire. Released on April 18, 2025, the film’s strong subject and solid performances quickly turned heads. Within just the first day, the Kesari Chapter 2 box office collection marked an impactful start despite the unfortunate leak of its HD version online before release.

Kesari Chapter 2 Box Office Collection Day 1 Performance

According to early trade estimates by Sacnilk, Kesari Chapter 2 box office collection on Day 1 stands between ₹8–9 crores, signaling a strong opening for a patriotic courtroom drama. By 10 am, the film had already garnered ₹0.43 crore. As the day progressed, momentum built with over 3700 screens running the film nationwide. By mid-day, it crossed ₹6.2 crore, a sign of positive word-of-mouth and massive pre-release buzz.

Advance bookings also contributed significantly to the first-day haul. With ₹3 crore worth of pre-booked tickets, the film was primed for a powerful start. The leak had the potential to dampen initial enthusiasm, but Akshay Kumar’s fan base and the gripping subject turned that around. Critics and early audiences alike have praised the courtroom sequences, especially the dialogues and confrontations between Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan.

With several shows sold out in metros and urban centers, especially in North India, the movie is well on its way to crossing double-digit earnings over the weekend. According to Indian Express, the film may challenge Akshay’s recent historical dramas like “Sky Force” in lifetime earnings if its current pace holds.

Audience Reactions and Celeb Endorsements Fueling Buzz

Social media has been flooded with reactions from fans and fellow actors. From Vicky Kaushal to Orry and Suniel Shetty, the Bollywood fraternity came out in strong support. Vicky Kaushal called it “an untold story told with grit and sensitivity”. Chunky Panday expressed pride in Ananya Panday’s evolved performance, and many viewers were left emotionally stirred by the courtroom drama’s intensity.

Not just celebrities, but fans on X (formerly Twitter) hailed Akshay Kumar’s performance as “a masterclass in acting”, while praising Madhavan’s dignified portrayal of a British barrister. Hashtags like #Kesari2Review, #KesariChapter2, and #AkshayKumar trended across India throughout Day 1.

Many viewers noted that the courtroom scenes were more gripping than many action-packed films, highlighting the emotional core of the story. Reviews from screening events in Mumbai, attended by celebrities like Kajol, Suhana Khan, Tiger Shroff, and Twinkle Khanna, also helped generate a celebratory buzz.

Storyline, Cast and Historical Significance

Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, Kesari Chapter 2 shifts the focus from the battlefield to the courtroom, picking up after the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Akshay Kumar essays the role of C. Sankaran Nair, a real-life hero who dared to question the might of the British Empire through legal proceedings. R Madhavan and Ananya Panday support the narrative with layered and well-written characters.

The film is an adaptation of “The Case That Shook the Empire” by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. Its gripping narrative explores justice, courage, and national pride. This bold shift in storytelling—from war cry to legal confrontation—has set the film apart from other patriotic dramas in Bollywood.

Box Office Competition and Future Outlook

The opening performance of Kesari Chapter 2 has already ignited comparisons with recent releases. Trade experts expect it to surpass the opening figures of Akshay’s previous hit “Sky Force”, which earned ₹12.25 crore on Day 1. With solid weekend projections, the film may accumulate over ₹30 crore by Sunday night.

However, piracy remains a concern. The leak of the HD print online could impact the film’s second-week revenue, particularly in smaller centers. Still, with the backing of strong word-of-mouth, school and college bookings, and nationalistic sentiment, it is expected to hold firm at the box office in the days to come.

Overall, the Kesari Chapter 2 box office collection has begun on a promising note, proving that content-driven films can still pull crowds in the age of flashy visuals and CGI-heavy storytelling. The coming weekend will determine if the film can convert early enthusiasm into box office dominance.

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FAQs

What is the Day 1 box office collection of Kesari Chapter 2?

Kesari Chapter 2 earned an estimated ₹8–9 crore on its opening day across India.

Was Kesari 2 affected by piracy?

Yes, the film’s HD version leaked online just before release, but it still managed a strong Day 1 performance.

Who are the lead actors in Kesari Chapter 2?

Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, and Ananya Panday play pivotal roles in the film, with Akshay portraying C. Sankaran Nair.

Is Kesari Chapter 2 based on a true story?

Yes, it’s based on the legal battle led by C. Sankaran Nair, inspired by the book “The Case That Shook the Empire.”

What are critics saying about Kesari Chapter 2?

Critics and audiences alike have praised the film’s storyline, courtroom drama, and performances, especially by Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan.