Kesari Movie Box Office Collection: Akshay Kumar’s Legal Drama Holds Ground Amid Tough Competition

When a film led by Akshay Kumar hits the theaters, expectations naturally soar. With Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, audiences anticipated another blockbuster, especially given the legacy of its 2019 predecessor. Backed by Dharma Productions and directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi, the movie took a bold leap into the historical courtroom genre, telling the story of Justice C. Sankaran Nair. As we assess the Kesari movie box office collection, it’s clear that while the film may not be breaking records, it is holding its ground in an increasingly competitive market.

Kesari Movie Box Office Collection: A Mixed Bag of Results

Released on April 18, 2025, aligning with the Good Friday holiday, Kesari Chapter 2 had a strategic launch. The timing was aimed at capturing a long weekend crowd, but the film’s box office journey reflects a mix of optimism and sobering reality. With an opening day collection of ₹8.35 crore, the film showed promise. However, as the week progressed, a steady decline in daily earnings has painted a more realistic picture of its commercial appeal.

Despite the dip, by the end of day six, the total collection stood at an impressive ₹41.85 crore, as per estimates. The film’s performance on day seven, according to mid-day trends, shows an average hold, registering around a 7% drop from the previous day’s ₹3.65 crore haul. These numbers place Kesari 2 in a stable but not standout category — performing decently without achieving breakout success.

The key highlights of its box office run so far:

• Day 1 (Good Friday): ₹8.35 crore

• Day 2: ₹7.10 crore

• Day 3: ₹6.85 crore

• Day 4: ₹6.50 crore

• Day 5: ₹5.40 crore

• Day 6: ₹3.65 crore

• Day 7 estimate: ₹3.40 crore

• Total so far: ₹41.85+ crore

These figures suggest a moderate trend, driven primarily by urban multiplex audiences and fan followers of Akshay Kumar.

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Factors Influencing the Kesari Movie Box Office Collection

While the opening weekend helped buoy initial earnings, several factors influenced the film’s overall performance during the week:

1. Star Power and Expectations

Akshay Kumar’s involvement always generates a buzz. However, audiences had sky-high expectations due to the original Kesari’s stellar performance in 2019. That film closed at over ₹150 crore in India, setting a tough benchmark.

2. Genre and Tone

A historical courtroom drama demands patience and emotional investment. While Kesari Chapter 2 featured robust performances by R Madhavan, Ananya Panday, and Regina Cassandra, the narrative’s legal-heavy tone may not appeal to mass-market viewers.

3. Competition at the Box Office

New releases such as Ground Zero and the re-release of Andaz Apna Apna are crowd-pullers. Without a strong holiday advantage after opening weekend, Kesari 2 faces stiff competition.

4. Critical and Audience Reception

The film has received mixed reviews, with praise for performances but criticism for a lack of pace in the screenplay. Word of mouth, though not negative, has not been strong enough to drive high weekday traffic.

5. Digital Expectations

There’s growing speculation about the film’s early OTT release window. Streaming deals can influence ticket sales as some viewers wait to watch from home.

Deep Dive Into the Story and Performances

H3: Akshay Kumar as Justice Sankaran Nair

Akshay takes on the mantle of one of India’s pioneering legal minds. The character demands a calm, commanding presence, which Kumar delivers with surprising restraint. His performance anchors the film’s courtroom sequences.

H3: Ananya Panday and R Madhavan’s Legal Duo

Ananya Panday portrays Dilreet Gill, a young, fiery lawyer representing dissenting voices. Her chemistry with R Madhavan’s Advocate Neville McKinley adds depth to the legal narrative. Both characters are fictionalized composites, used to personify ideological arguments within the trial.

H3: Regina Cassandra’s Impact

Though in a supporting role, Regina Cassandra brings gravitas, portraying a journalist chronicling the historical case. Her scenes help connect legal intricacies with broader social implications.

Comparison With Other Recent Historical Dramas

Historical dramas often struggle commercially unless they blend entertainment with education effectively. Compared to films like Sam Bahadur and Sardar Udham, Kesari Chapter 2 falls somewhere in between:

• More dramatic than Sardar Udham

• More subdued than Sam Bahadur

• Lacks the wide visual appeal of Padmaavat or Tanhaji

Prospects for the Second Weekend and Beyond

With no major holiday until May, the second weekend will be crucial. The film needs to maintain at least ₹2.5 crore per day to cross the ₹60 crore mark — a modest target for sustainability. If it does manage steady footfall, especially in Tier-1 cities and South India multiplexes, it could stretch its theatrical run up to three weeks before moving to OTT.

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Future Outlook for Akshay Kumar and Dharma Productions

While Kesari Chapter 2 may not hit blockbuster status, it cements Akshay Kumar’s versatility. Dharma Productions’ risk in choosing a niche historical subject could pay off in the long term, particularly in digital viewership and awards circuits.

The Kesari movie box office collection may not mirror the high-octane success of its predecessor, but its grounded performance proves there is still an audience for meaningful, character-driven cinema amid the masala blockbusters.

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FAQs About Kesari Movie Box Office Collection

1. What is the total box office collection of Kesari Chapter 2 till now?

As of the seventh day, the movie has earned approximately ₹41.85 crore across India, with a moderate daily hold.

2. How was Kesari Chapter 2 received by critics and audiences?

The film has received mixed reviews. Performances were praised, especially Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan, but the screenplay and pacing were critiqued.

3. Is Kesari Chapter 2 a sequel to the 2019 film Kesari?

No, it’s not a direct sequel but shares thematic similarities. It follows the courtroom journey of Justice Sankaran Nair during the British colonial era.

4. Will Kesari Chapter 2 be released on OTT platforms soon?

While no official release date has been announced, it is likely to stream within 6–8 weeks of its theatrical release.

5. How does Kesari Chapter 2 compare to other historical courtroom dramas?

It holds its own with powerful dialogues and character-driven storytelling, though it lacks the cinematic grandeur of some predecessors.