KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan starrer Kesari Chapter 2 has witnessed a steep decline in box office earnings as the film entered its 11th day in theatres. According to early trade estimates, the film recorded its lowest single-day collection on second Monday, raising concerns about its long-term performance despite critical praise for the actors’ performances.

The film, which opened with promise and positive word-of-mouth during its first weekend, now faces the challenge of sustaining audience interest amid growing competition and fading footfall in cinemas.

Kesari Chapter 2: A Follow-Up to a Nationalist Drama

Kesari Chapter 2 is a period courtroom drama, loosely inspired by events following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film picks up the story from where the first installment, Kesari (2019), left off. With Akshay Kumar reprising a role rooted in patriotism and justice, the sequel promised an intense blend of drama and historical narrative.

R. Madhavan, who joined the franchise for the first time, plays a pivotal role as a high-ranking British official-turned-reformer. Together, the two actors delivered compelling performances praised by critics and early audiences.

Box Office Performance: Day-by-Day Breakdown

Despite critical acclaim, Kesari Chapter 2 is witnessing a sharp decline in collections post the first weekend.

Box Office Summary (India):

The ₹1.9 crore collection on the second Monday marks the film’s lowest single-day figure since release.

Reasons Behind the Drop

There are several factors contributing to the film’s underwhelming performance after its initial days:

1. Genre Limitation: Courtroom dramas often attract a niche audience and depend heavily on word-of-mouth, which has not been strong enough in smaller towns.

2. Lack of Mass Entertainment Appeal: Unlike the original Kesari, which had large-scale war scenes and high-octane action, the sequel is dialogue-heavy and narrative-driven.

3. Stiff Competition: Simultaneous releases such as Raftaar, Karm Yodha, and regional hits have diverted a significant chunk of the audience.

4. Overlapping Promotions: Akshay Kumar has another film lined up for release in May, and overlapping promotional strategies may have diluted Kesari 2’s focus.

Critical Reception: Strong Performances, Weak Momentum

The film has received positive reviews for its screenplay and performances:

• Akshay Kumar has been applauded for a restrained, layered portrayal of a freedom fighter navigating post-massacre trauma and legal complexities.

• R. Madhavan delivers a commanding performance as a conflicted British officer caught between duty and morality.

However, the film’s pacing and subject matter have been flagged as concerns for mainstream appeal.

Public Reactions: Mixed Audience Sentiment

Audience feedback has been mixed:

• Urban multiplexes report decent footfall among older audiences and history enthusiasts.

• Single-screen theatres, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, show a lack of interest.

• Social media engagement has seen only moderate traction compared to Akshay Kumar’s usual projects.

Many viewers praised the concept and intent but questioned whether the subject was compelling enough for a theatrical release.

Comparisons With Kesari (2019)

The first film in the franchise, Kesari (2019), was a box office success, grossing over ₹150 crore in India. It was centered around the Battle of Saragarhi, offering action, emotion, and mass-appeal patriotic fervor.

In contrast:

• Kesari Chapter 2 is quieter and more introspective, with minimal action.

• It lacks the rallying nationalism and battlefield intensity that made the first film a hit.

• Viewers familiar with the first film had different expectations, leading to a gap in audience satisfaction.

Overseas Box Office and Digital Plans

Internationally, Kesari Chapter 2 has seen a modest response:

• UAE, Canada, and UK remain the strongest overseas markets

• Collections from North America and Australia are below average

The film is expected to arrive on streaming platforms (possibly Amazon Prime Video or Netflix) within the next 6–8 weeks. Producers are reportedly in talks for an early digital release window to recover post-theatrical losses.

What’s Next for the Cast and Franchise?

Akshay Kumar:

• Scheduled to release “Zameen Se Aasman Tak” in May 2025

• Will begin shooting for Rowdy Rathore 2 in July

R. Madhavan:

• Starring in the upcoming Netflix original “Trial by Fire: Colonial Confessions”

• Also working on a directorial project expected to release in early 2026

As for the Kesari franchise, the makers are yet to confirm if a third installment is in the pipeline.

Can Kesari Chapter 2 Still Recover?

While a ₹60+ crore gross in 11 days is not disastrous, it falls short of expectations for a film carrying such a prominent cast. Industry analysts believe:

• If weekday numbers continue to drop, it may wrap up its theatrical run under ₹75 crore.

• Positive word-of-mouth from critics may boost streaming performance.

• An award-season push could give the film renewed visibility later in 2025.

Kesari Chapter 2 may not have set the box office ablaze, but it certainly succeeded in delivering a story worth telling. It represents a bold move by mainstream actors like Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan to take on serious, historically grounded cinema.

In a market often driven by formulaic action and comedy, Kesari Chapter 2’s focus on courtroom justice, post-colonial trauma, and moral dilemmas is a commendable shift — even if it didn’t strike box office gold.

The film’s legacy may live longer on streaming platforms and in academic discussions rather than in the commercial success charts.