Hey there, movie buffs! If you’re anything like me, you probably love a good story that mixes history, drama, and a dash of courtroom fireworks. That’s exactly what Kesari 2 Box Office Collection The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh (or simply Kesari 2 as fans call it) brings to the table. Released on April 18, 2025, this spiritual sequel to the 2019 hit Kesari isn’t about swords and battles—it’s a gripping tale of justice fought with words. Starring Akshay Kumar as the fearless lawyer C. Sankaran Nair, alongside R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, the film dives into one of India’s darkest chapters: the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
But let’s be real—while the story tugs at your heartstrings, everyone’s buzzing about the Kesari 2 box office collection. Did it roar like a lion or just purr along? In this easy-to-read guide, we’ll break it all down: day-wise earnings, worldwide totals, budget showdown, and what it means for the franchise. Whether you’re a history nerd, an Akshay fan, or just curious about Bollywood’s money game, stick around. We’ll keep it simple, fun, and packed with facts—no jargon, just straight talk. And yes, I’ve thrown in a handy table for those quick glances!
What Makes Kesari 2 Box Office Collection Tick? A Quick Story Refresher
Before we crunch the numbers, let’s set the scene. Kesari 2 is directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Dharma Productions (Karan Johar’s banner) along with Leo Media Collective and Cape of Good Films. It’s loosely based on the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. The plot? Picture this: It’s 1919, and the British Empire has just unleashed horror at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, killing hundreds of peaceful protesters. Enter C. Sankaran Nair (Akshay Kumar), a high-ranking Indian member of the Viceroy’s Council. When he uncovers the brutal truth, he resigns in protest and sues the British Crown in their own courts to expose General Dyer’s atrocities.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The film packs emotional punches with themes of Hindu-Muslim unity, sharp dialogues (including a cheeky F-bomb in court!), and soul-stirring music by Sashwat Sachdeva. The first song, “O Shera – Teer Te Taj,” is a revamped anthem from the farmers’ protests—talk about timely relevance. Shot in Mumbai (with a massive Jallianwala Bagh set), Delhi’s Red Fort, and IIT Roorkee, it feels grand yet intimate.
Why the “Chapter 2” tag? It’s a nod to the original Kesari, where Akshay played Havildar Ishar Singh in the Battle of Saragarhi. No direct plot link, but the saffron theme of courage ties them together. Fun fact: The release date marked the 106th anniversary of the massacre—chills, right?
The Star Power: Akshay, Madhavan, and the Fresh Faces
Akshay Kumar is the heartbeat here. As Nair, he channels quiet fury and unyielding patriotism, delivering monologues that had audiences clapping in theaters. Critics called it one of his best 2025 turns, right up there with Sky Force. R. Madhavan shines as the slick British lawyer Neville McKinley—a fictional mash-up of real historical foes—bringing that intense cat-and-mouse vibe. Ananya Panday surprises as Dilreet Gill, Nair’s young ally, proving she’s more than just glamour with her fiery courtroom scenes.
Regina Cassandra plays Nair’s supportive wife, adding emotional depth, while Simon Paisley Day nails the villainous General Dyer. The supporting cast, including Alexx O’Nell, keeps the historical flavor alive without overdoing it. It’s a ensemble that feels balanced— no one steals the show, but everyone elevates it.
Kesari 2 Box Office Collection: Day by Day Breakdown
Now, the juicy part: the money! Kesari 2 hit screens on a Friday, clashing with holdovers like Sunny Deol’s Jaat and Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2 looming ahead. It opened decently but faced urban vs. mass belt divides. Based on reports from Sacnilk, Bollywood Hungama, and trade experts, here’s how it unfolded. (All figures in ₹ crore, India net unless noted.)
| Day | Date (2025) | India Net Collection | Worldwide Gross | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Fri) | April 18 | 9.45 | 15.00 | Strong urban buzz; 29% occupancy. Akshay’s pull in metros shines. |
| Day 2 (Sat) | April 19 | 8.05 | 15.00 | Slight dip but steady; total India net: 17.50. Overseas kicks off at $1M+. |
| Day 3 (Sun) | April 20 | 12.00 | 18.00 | Weekend peak; family crowds boost it. Worldwide crosses 30 crore. |
| Day 4 (Mon) | April 21 | 4.50 | 7.00 | 60% weekday drop; total India: 34.00. Holds better in South circuits. |
| Day 5 (Tue) | April 22 | 3.80 | 6.00 | Steady; music and WOM help. |
| Day 6 (Wed) | April 23 | 3.50 | 5.50 | Mid-week resilience amid Jaat competition. |
| Day 7 (Thu) | April 24 | 3.20 | 5.00 | Pre-Raid 2 calm; weekly total: 33.45. |
| Week 1 Total | – | 33.45 | 56.60 | Solid opener; 5th highest 2025 debut. |
| Day 8 (Fri) | April 25 | 5.50 | 8.00 | Raid 2 clash hurts; still decent. |
| Day 9 (Sat) | April 26 | 6.20 | 9.00 | Bounce back; total worldwide nears 93.50. |
| Day 10 (Sun) | April 27 | 8.15 | 12.00 | Sunday surge; crosses 100 crore global! India: 65.45. |
| Day 11-17 (Week 2) | April 28-May 4 | 15.00 (approx.) | 22.00 | Holds at 20-25% occupancy; Day 17: 2.35 crore. Total India: 80.20. |
| Day 18-24 (Week 3) | May 5-11 | 8.00 (approx.) | 12.00 | Slowdown; steady in NCR/Bangalore. |
| Day 25-31 (Week 4) | May 12-18 | 4.50 (approx.) | 7.00 | Day 24: 1.70 crore; total India nears 86.80. |
| Post Week 4 (Up to Day 63) | May 19-June 20 | 6.28 (approx.) | 10.00 | Long tail; final India net: 92.73. |
Sources: Sacnilk, Bollywood Hungama, Bollymoviereviewz. Figures are estimates and may vary slightly by final audits.
The film started with promise—9.45 crore on Day 1, fueled by advance bookings (over 50,000 tickets) and patriotic hype. Weekends were its friend, with Sunday spikes thanks to families and history lovers. But weekdays? Oof. Drops of 50-60% as mass audiences preferred Jaat‘s action over courtroom drama. By Week 2, Raid 2 stole thunder in the North, but Kesari 2 fought back in the South (Chennai hit 52% occupancy on Day 10!).
Overseas? A bright spot! It raked in $4 million (₹34.25 crore gross), led by Canada and Australia—Punjabi diaspora loved the Kesari sequel vibe. Total worldwide gross: ₹145 crore. Not blockbuster territory, but respectable for a niche historical flick.
Budget Breakdown: Did Kesari 2 Recover Its Costs?
Let’s talk brass tacks. Kesari 2 was mounted on a hefty ₹150 crore budget—including production (big sets, period costumes), Akshay’s fee (₹60-70 crore plus entourage), and prints/advertising (₹15 crore). That’s double the original Kesari‘s ₹80 crore outlay, thanks to inflation and Dharma’s polish.
Recovery-wise:
- Theatrical Share: India net ₹92.73 crore means producers pocket ~₹50-55 crore after exhibitor cuts/taxes.
- Non-Theatrical: Digital rights to Jio-Hotstar for ₹105 crore? A jackpot! Music/satellite to Zee: ₹30 crore. Non-theatrical alone covers the budget.
- Total Verdict: Break-even achieved via OTT. Theatrical ROI? Around 30-40%—semi-hit at best, flop per strict box office math.
Compared to 2025 peers: It beat Emergency (₹25 crore lifetime) and Sarfira (₹30 crore) but trailed Sky Force (₹168 crore) and Chhaava (blockbuster). Akshay’s 2025 scorecard? Sky Force hit, this one average—proving his draw in patriots but not mass masala.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Buzz: Hits and Misses
Reviews were a mixed bag—think 3/5 average. On Rotten Tomatoes, 39% fresh (6.2/10), with praise for Akshay’s “outstanding” turn and the “gripping” second half. India Today gave 3.5/5: “Unapologetic swag with Hindu-Muslim unity dialogues.” Pinkvilla called it a “must-watch” for stellar performances, despite a “loud score.” Bollywood Hungama: 3.5/5, lauding the “hard-hitting” untold history.
But not all rosy. Mint slammed it as “buried under nonsense,” focusing too much on Akshay’s shouts over Nair’s real complexity. Scroll.in called it “sluggish” till interval. Audiences? WOM was solid in cities (Vicky Kaushal tweeted “grit and sensitivity!”), but mass belts wanted more action. Reddit threads buzzed: “Good film, but flop for Dharma—budget too high.” Still, it sparked history chats online—win for education!
Why Kesari 2 Mattered: Beyond the Box Office
Look, numbers are fun, but Kesari 2‘s real win? Shining light on forgotten heroes like Nair, who sued the Empire and lost his career for truth. In a year of Chhaava and Sky Force, it reminded us freedom fights weren’t just battles—they were brains too. The adult rating limited kids, but for grown-ups, it’s a wake-up call on unity amid divides.
Franchise future? Akshay announced Kesari 3 on Hari Singh Nalwa—expect more saffron epics! Telugu release on May 23 added ₹5-7 crore extra.
Wrapping Up: A Lion’s Heart in a Tough Jungle
So, Kesari 2 Box Office Collection? ₹92.73 crore India net, ₹145 crore worldwide—not a roar, but a steady growl. It broke even thanks to OTT smarts, but theaters wished for more mass appeal. Akshay’s fire, Madhavan’s menace, and that emotional core make it worth a watch, even post-run.
