Picture this: the haunting silence of a courtroom, the weight of a nation’s history, and Akshay Kumar delivering a performance that’s equal parts grit and grace. Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh hit theaters on April 18, 2025, with a mission to tell a lesser-known story of India’s freedom struggle. But while this historical courtroom drama has sparked emotional conversations and earned critical praise, its opening weekend box office haul of ₹29.75 crore nett couldn’t match the roaring ₹56 crore nett debut of its 2019 predecessor, Kesari. So, what’s the story behind this film’s journey, and why is it still a must-watch? Let’s dive in.
From Battlefields to Courtrooms: A Bold New Chapter
If you loved the adrenaline-pumping action of Kesari, which immortalized the Battle of Saragarhi, brace yourself for a different kind of heroism in Kesari Chapter 2. Directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films, this film swaps swords for legal battles, focusing on the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Adapted from The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, it follows barrister C. Sankaran Nair (played by Akshay Kumar) as he takes on the British Empire to expose the truth behind one of India’s darkest colonial tragedies.
The cast is a powerhouse: R. Madhavan shines as British advocate Neville McKinley, while Ananya Panday surprises as Nair’s co-counsel, Dilreet Gill. Unlike Kesari’s mass-appeal war spectacle, this historical drama leans into emotional depth and intellectual heft, earning an A-rating that limits its commercial reach. Yet, its patriotic narrative and cinematic storytelling have struck a chord with audiences craving meaningful content.
Box Office Breakdown: A Solid Start, But No Kesari Fireworks
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Kesari Chapter 2 grossed ₹7.75 crore nett on its opening day, climbing to ₹9.5 crore on Saturday and ₹12.25 crore on Sunday, totaling ₹29.75 crore nett over the weekend. While these numbers reflect steady growth, fueled by positive word-of-mouth and a partial Good Friday holiday, they pale in comparison to Kesari’s ₹21 crore nett opening day in 2019 or Akshay’s recent hit Sky Force, which raked in ₹62.25 crore nett in January 2025.
Why the gap? For one, Kesari Chapter 2 is a niche courtroom drama without the commercial elements—like catchy songs or action sequences—that drove Kesari’s success. Its advance bookings of ₹3 crore were solid but lagged behind Sky Force’s ₹3.78 crore. Plus, it faced stiff competition from Sunny Deol’s action-packed Jaat (₹74.40 crore nett by day 11) and Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly (₹137.65 crore nett). Regional films and Hollywood releases also split the urban audience, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Still, the film saw strong theater occupancy in Chennai (70%) and Bengaluru (65%), hinting at its regional appeal. As it heads into its first Monday, all eyes are on whether word-of-mouth can sustain its momentum. Some X users, like
@ParthChturvedi, reported “low occupancy” in Delhi NCR, projecting a lifetime collection of ₹80 crore. Others are more optimistic, citing its OTT potential on JioHotstar.
Performances That Steal the Show
The heart of Kesari Chapter 2 lies in its stellar cast. Akshay Kumar delivers a restrained yet powerful performance as C. Sankaran Nair, anchoring the film with his signature intensity. The Hindu called him “the soul of the narrative,” while The Times of India praised his ability to “carry the weight of history.” But it’s R. Madhavan who’s stealing the spotlight as Neville McKinley, blending charm and complexity in a role that’s earning Oscar-worthy buzz. “Maddy is pure magic,” raved one X user,
@bollywoodFan22.
Ananya Panday, often under scrutiny, silences doubters with a dignified portrayal of Dilreet Gill. Her subtle performance marks a career high, with critics noting her “surprising maturity.” The ensemble, including Vivan Bhathena and Saurabh Shukla, adds depth to the courtroom showdowns, making every scene crackle with tension.
However, not everyone’s sold. Some reviews, like The Telegraph India’s, flagged a “sluggish pace” and a “jarring climax” where Nair’s outburst feels out of character. On X, opinions are split:
@shahie_bhatt_ slammed the film as a “disaster,” predicting a ₹9 crore lifetime haul, while
@cinemaLover99 called it a “masterpiece” with “terrifying visuals.” One thing’s clear: this film is sparking debate.
A Story That Hits Close to Home
At its core, Kesari Chapter 2 is more than a movie—it’s a tribute to India’s freedom fighters and a reminder of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre’s lasting impact. Akshay Kumar, who visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar with Madhavan and Panday before the release, shared a heartfelt note on Instagram: “This film is our way of honoring those who fought for our freedom. Let’s never take it for granted.” His gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for recognizing C. Sankaran Nair’s legacy added a poignant touch.
The film’s premiere events in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chandigarh were emotional affairs. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, speaking at a screening, described the massacre’s depiction as “heart-wrenching” and urged citizens to honor the martyrs. Celebrities like Vicky Kaushal (“absolute magic”), Ajay Devgn, and Rana Daggubati (pushing for a Telugu release) have rallied behind the film, amplifying its cultural weight.
For audiences, Kesari Chapter 2 is a chance to reconnect with history. “I cried during the Jallianwala scenes,” shared
@priya_films on X. “It’s not just a movie—it’s a wake-up call.” In an era of fleeting social media trends, this film’s focus on patriotism and justice feels like a breath of fresh air.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Let’s talk numbers. With a reported budget of ₹100–150 crore, Kesari Chapter 2 faces pressure to perform. Akshay Kumar’s recent track record has been a mixed bag: while Sky Force soared, films like Khel Khel Mein (₹10.2 crore nett) and Sarfira (₹12 crore nett) struggled. The A-rating and lack of mass-appeal elements may cap its theatrical run, but its OTT streaming rights on JioHotstar offer a safety net.
The film’s Monday test will be crucial. If it holds steady, it could aim for a ₹100 crore lifetime collection, especially with no major releases until late April. However, competition from regional cinema and Hollywood blockbusters could dent its urban pull. The team’s decision to host special screenings in schools and colleges could boost its reach, tapping into younger audiences eager for historical content.
Why You Should Watch Kesari Chapter 2
If you’re wondering whether to book your tickets, here’s the deal: Kesari Chapter 2 isn’t your typical Bollywood masala flick. It’s a thought-provoking drama that challenges you to reflect on India’s past while celebrating the courage of unsung heroes. The performances, especially Madhavan’s, are worth the price of admission, and the Jallianwala Bagh sequences will leave you speechless.
