Akshay Kumar's 'Kesari Chapter-2' Opens to Slow Start at Box Office

Mumbai, April 19 — Akshay Kumar’s much-anticipated film Kesari Chapter-2 hit the screens on April 18 but failed to create the box office buzz many expected. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the historical courtroom drama showcases the legal battle that followed the tragic 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. However, early numbers suggest the film is off to a sluggish start.

Underwhelming Opening Day Collection

According to industry tracker Sanilak, Kesari Chapter-2 earned ₹7.5 crore on its opening day. The film also pulled in ₹2 crore from advance bookings, but it still fell short compared to Kumar’s previous releases. For instance, it failed to surpass the first-day earnings of his last outing Sky Force, which had a stronger debut.

Weekend box office performance will now play a crucial role in determining whether the film can recover momentum and attract larger crowds in the coming days.

Facing Stiff Competition at the Box Office

Kesari Chapter-2 faces tough competition from two other major releases—Jaat and Salman Khan’s Sikandar. The Punjabi action drama Jaat reportedly earned ₹9.5 crore on its first day, while Sikandar dominated the box office with an impressive ₹26 crore opening.

Compared to these, Kesari Chapter-2 appears to be struggling to find its footing among audiences despite its powerful subject matter and star-studded cast.

Plot and Star Cast

The film centers around a pivotal moment in India’s fight for justice under British rule. Akshay Kumar portrays Nair, a barrister who takes on the British Empire in court following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. R. Madhavan features as a British attorney, while Ananya Panday plays the role of Dilreet Gill.

With such a strong historical backdrop, expectations were high, particularly among Akshay Kumar’s loyal fanbase who have been hoping for a blockbuster hit after a string of underperforming films in recent years.

Will the Weekend Save ‘Kesari Chapter-2’?

Despite a slow start, all eyes are now on Kesari Chapter-2’s weekend performance. The film’s fate—whether it turns into a sleeper hit or joins the list of recent box office disappointments—will largely depend on audience turnout over Saturday and Sunday.