Akshay Kumar’s latest historical drama, Kesari Chapter 2, continues its run at the box office but is facing challenges in maintaining strong numbers. Released on April 18, the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Kesari has garnered a total collection of ₹68.40 crore by Day 11, as per industry tracker Sacnilk.
Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, Kesari Chapter 2 centers on the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, with Akshay Kumar portraying the role of lawyer C. Shankaran Nair. The character seeks justice by taking on the British Empire in the courtroom, determined to expose the truth behind the 1919 atrocity that left a deep scar in India’s colonial history.
On its second Monday (April 28), the film earned ₹3 crore, with an overall Hindi occupancy rate of 11.19%, indicating a noticeable dip in audience turnout. Despite the initial buzz and historical significance of the plot, the movie has not replicated the commercial success of its predecessor.
The film features a strong supporting cast including R Madhavan, Ananya Panday, Regina Cassandra, Simon Paisley Day, and Alexx O’Nell. It has been jointly produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films.
Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan recently attended a special screening of the film on April 26. During the event, Akshay took a moment to address the recent Pahalgam terror attack that occurred in Baisaran Valley on April 22, claiming the lives of 26 civilians.
The actor, visibly moved, drew a parallel between the film’s message and the present-day incident, stating, “Unfortunately, aaj bhi humare sab ke dil mein woh gussa phir se jaga hain… Aaj bhi hum un terrorists ko ek hi baat kehna chahenge.” He then quoted his character’s defiant line from the film: “F*** you,” drawing applause and emotion from the audience.
Though Kesari Chapter 2 has yet to match the critical and box office acclaim of the original, its attempt to highlight significant historical events and reflect ongoing socio-political tensions has resonated with a segment of the audience.
The coming days will be crucial for the film as it enters the latter half of its theatrical run, with hopes resting on word-of-mouth and continued interest in its patriotic themes.
Sources By Agencies
