Akshay Kumar returns to the big screen in Kesari Chapter 2, a historical courtroom drama that launched with much anticipation but managed only a modest Day 1 collection of ₹7.1 crore, according to data from Saconilk. Despite the strategic release on Good Friday, a national holiday that typically boosts initial earnings, Kesari 2 opened significantly lower than its 2019 predecessor Kesari, which recorded a stellar ₹21.06 crore on its debut day.
A Measured Start: Day 1 Collection Analysis
On its first day, Kesari 2 garnered ₹7.1 crore net across India, a figure that raises eyebrows considering the star-studded cast and the built-in holiday advantage. With Akshay Kumar at the forefront, joined by R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, expectations were elevated. However, industry insiders believe that this subdued opening does not necessarily forecast the film’s long-term performance.
While Kesari was an action-packed patriotic drama, Kesari 2 takes a more introspective route, focusing on courtroom proceedings post the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. This genre shift could explain the relatively tepid reception among the mass audience.
Film Overview: A Courtroom Drama That Dares to Question
Directed with conviction and based on the critically acclaimed book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, Kesari Chapter 2 dramatizes the judicial journey of C. Shankaran Nair (played by Akshay Kumar), a bold lawyer who challenges the British colonial powers in court, seeking justice for the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy.
R. Madhavan plays a formidable opposition lawyer, while Ananya Panday, in a refreshing departure from her previous roles, portrays a young journalist documenting the case. The narrative offers both dramatic tension and historical depth, aiming to appeal to more discerning cinema-goers.
Expert Verdict: A Slow Burner with Long-Term Potential
According to trade analysts, including Komal Nahta, the Day 1 figures do not signal failure, especially considering the film’s niche subject matter. “The real jump in earnings will be seen after Saturday afternoon shows,” he states, suggesting that the film’s two-week window before the release of Raid 2 on May 1 gives it enough breathing room to gain momentum.
“Considering an A-list actor like Akshay Kumar, ₹7–₹8 crore is slightly underwhelming,” Nahta explains, “but this film isn’t designed for a mass audience. It will thrive on word-of-mouth.”
Akshay Kumar’s Recent Track Record: A Mixed Bag
Akshay Kumar has faced a string of underperforming titles in recent years, with several films failing to meet box office expectations despite his consistent star power. Industry experts argue that the audience has begun to look for content-driven cinema over star-driven vehicles. Kesari 2, with its focus on legal history and powerful performances, fits into this evolving preference but still requires positive buzz to scale up commercially.
Weekend Forecast: Can Kesari 2 Reach ₹40 Crore?
Despite the lukewarm opening, Kesari 2 is projected to earn between ₹35–₹40 crore over the first weekend, contingent on strong weekend word-of-mouth and critical acclaim. The target is achievable if the Saturday and Sunday shows witness significant footfall spikes, particularly in urban multiplexes where its appeal is strongest.
Day-Wise Box Office Prediction (India Net):
Day 1 (Friday): ₹7.1 crore
Day 2 (Saturday): Expected ₹11–12 crore
Day 3 (Sunday): Expected ₹14–15 crore
Total (Weekend): Projected ₹35–40 crore
These estimates remain sensitive to public perception, social media buzz, and critical response over the next 48 hours.
Audience Reaction: Social Media Sentiment on the Rise
Initial responses on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube reveal a slow but positive tilt in viewer sentiment. The hashtag #Kesari2 began trending hours after the first shows, with many praising the intensity of courtroom sequences, authentic period detailing, and Akshay Kumar’s restrained performance.
Critics and influencers are calling Kesari 2 a “thinking man’s patriotic film,” distinct from the loud nationalism of its predecessor. This nuanced storytelling might resonate more as the week progresses, leading to a potential box office climb.
Competition Landscape: Two Weeks Before ‘Raid 2’
Kesari 2 benefits from a rare two-week solo run, a luxury in today’s crowded release calendar. This time frame is crucial to stabilize earnings, especially with no direct competition in its genre.
The next major release, Raid 2, hits theaters on May 1, putting pressure on Kesari 2 to maximize earnings quickly. Industry insiders believe if it can cross ₹50 crore before May, it will be considered a successful run.
Performance Across Markets: Urban Centers Outperform Tier-2 Cities
Box office analytics reveal that Kesari 2 has done exceptionally well in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, and Chennai, whereas Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets saw lower turnout. The disparity reflects the film’s appeal to urban, English-speaking audiences with a taste for historical drama.
Single screens, especially in North India, are showing muted responses—a contrast to Kesari, which had widespread appeal due to its action-oriented script.
Critical Review: A Bold Narrative with Gravitas
Critics have largely applauded Kesari 2 for its tight screenplay, engaging courtroom dialogues, and authentic period atmosphere. Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of C. Shankaran Nair is being described as mature, layered, and impactful, while R. Madhavan adds dramatic heft as the film’s moral counterpoint.
Ananya Panday, in a pleasantly surprising turn, delivers a restrained yet compelling performance that adds emotional depth to the narrative. The direction, cinematography, and background score contribute to an immersive historical reimagining.
Conclusion: The Word-of-Mouth Will Decide Kesari 2’s Fate
While the initial collection might appear modest on paper, Kesari 2 is shaping up to be a long-distance runner rather than a sprinter. With a compelling plotline, a power-packed cast, and room to breathe at the box office, the film’s ultimate success will hinge on how rapidly its positive word-of-mouth translates into ticket sales.
The coming weekend will be pivotal. If the film touches ₹35–40 crore by Sunday night, it will be well on its way to achieving commercial viability and critical recognition, cementing Kesari 2 as a worthy successor to the original.
