“Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh” continues its steady run at the box office as it nears the ₹50-crore mark by the end of its first week. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and inspired by real-life legal history, the film has resonated with urban audiences, especially in metro cities, thanks to its gripping courtroom narrative and patriotic undercurrents.
As per early estimates by trade tracker Sacnilk, the film collected ₹3.5 crore on Day 7 (April 24), bringing its total domestic earnings to ₹46.1 crore. The movie has performed consistently over the weekdays, a sign of positive word-of-mouth and audience appreciation, especially among history and legal drama enthusiasts.
The occupancy report for April 24 showed a modest yet telling trend across Hindi-speaking territories:
- Morning shows: 6.53%
- Afternoon shows: 10.94%
- Evening shows: 11.23%
- Night shows: 17.98% This average brought the overall occupancy to 11.67% for the day, highlighting a loyal footfall during the late shows — often a strong indicator of urban multiplex success.
Strong First Week Numbers
Veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh also shared the detailed day-wise box office breakdown on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). According to his post, the cumulative first-week total is expected to end above ₹46 crore, setting up a promising trajectory for the second weekend.
“KesariChapter2 is expected to conclude its first week with collections in the vicinity of ₹46 cr+… Positive weekday trends have set the stage for a healthy second weekend,” Adarsh posted.
“Urban multiplexes, in particular, are contributing heavily. The absence of any major Bollywood release until May 1 provides the film a free runway to grow further,” he added.
About the Film: A Historical Legal Battle Brought to Life
Kesari Chapter 2 draws its narrative from the acclaimed book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, and focuses on the life and legacy of Justice Chettur Sankaran Nair, one of the earliest Indians to challenge British colonial power through legal means. The story is set in the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a turning point in India’s freedom struggle.
Akshay Kumar takes center stage as Sankaran Nair, portraying the character with quiet resolve and steely intensity. R Madhavan impresses as Advocate Neville McKinley, a man torn between legal duty and imperial loyalty. Ananya Panday, playing Dilreet Gill, brings a modern touch to the period piece with her emotionally charged performance. The ensemble cast also includes Regina Cassandra, Simon Paisley Day, and Alexx O’Nell in key roles.
The film’s direction, rich in historical detail and courtroom tension, has been praised for avoiding melodrama while maintaining a sense of urgency. The dialogues, costume design, and period-accurate sets have also contributed to the immersive experience.
A Strategic Window Ahead
With no significant new releases on the horizon until May 1, Kesari Chapter 2 is poised to take advantage of an open theatrical window. If it continues its current trend, the film could comfortably cross the ₹60-crore mark by the end of the second weekend. The strong performance in Tier 1 cities, combined with word-of-mouth appreciation, could also fuel a resurgence in smaller towns.
More than just a patriotic tale, Kesari Chapter 2 has struck a chord by highlighting a forgotten chapter of India’s resistance — not through rebellion, but through reason, argument, and the rule of law.
The emotional depth of the characters, coupled with Akshay Kumar’s restrained yet powerful portrayal, has resonated with a wide range of audiences.
As the film gains momentum, it is slowly carving out a reputation as one of the more meaningful historical dramas of recent times.
