Kesari 2 Movie Review & Release Live update: Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan and Ananya Panday starrer expected to open at Rs 7-8 crore on day 1

Kesari Chapter 2, starring Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, earned approximately Rs 7.50 crore on its opening day, April 18. Despite being a spiritual sequel to the 2019 film Kesari, the movie's performance was modest compared to its predecessor's Rs 21 crore opening. The film recorded an overall occupancy of 17.40 per cent on its first day, with evening and night shows contributing significantly to the day's earnings. ​

Vicky Kaushal wrote, “An untold story told with so much grit, sincerity and sensitivity! This is one hell of a directorial debut @karanstyagi. Kudos to @karanjohar @bindraamritpal @anandntiwari @apoorva1972 @adarpoonawalla for bringing this important chapter from our history to celluloid.@akshaykumar @actormaddy @ananyapanday @amitsial Absolute class. Absolute magic! DON’T MISS!!!"

Farah Khan penned a congratulatory message, stating, “Congratulations in advance, my darling @bindraamritpal n @ananyapanday on #Kesari2. Only hearing good things."

Ananya Panday is busy with the release of her latest film Kesari 2, co-starring Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan. The film, which hit theatres today (April 18), is receiving decent reviews from fans and the audience.

Meanwhile, Ananya’s father, actor Chunky Panday, shared a quirky post on his Instagram to celebrate Ananya’s growth in the industry. He posted a picture with Bhavana Pandey and Ananya, along with the caption:

“What came first ???? The Chicken ???? or the Egg ????. So proud of you, my dearest @ananyapanday, for being a part of this cinematic wonder #Kesari2 ???????? #PremierNight.”

Akshay Kumar’s 'Aflatoon' co-star Urmila Matondkar in full awe after watching his film 'Kesari 2'.

'Nadaaniyaan' actor Ibrahim Ali Khan shared a note on his Instagram Stories to congratulate Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, and the makers of Kesari 2 on its release today.

Earlier, speaking to the media, Akshay urged audiences to pay close attention to the film’s opening, saying, “When you come to watch this film, don’t miss the beginning. It is one of the most important films. The first 10 minutes of this film are the most important thing. I am sure that this film will reach you through your camera. The people who have decided to watch this film will know that this film has not come late. It has come at the right time. And the 10 minutes of this film starts from there."

Akshay Kumar’s powerful portrayal of Sir C. Sankaran Nair in Kesari: Chapter 2 earned him a standing ovation at the film’s special screening held last night. The screening, attended by cast members, their families, and industry insiders, turned into an emotional moment for the actor as applause filled the theatre during the end credits.

Akshay, clearly moved by the response, was seen radiating pride and satisfaction as he descended the stairs of the theatre alongside wife Twinkle Khanna. Twinkle, beaming with pride, stood by his side as several attendees rushed to compliment Akshay on his nuanced and compelling performance in this courtroom drama.

The film, which sheds light on the historic legal battle fought by nationalist lawyer C. Sankaran Nair against the British Empire in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, is being touted as a potential turning point for Akshay Kumar after a string of underwhelming releases.

Akshay Kumar’s Kesari Chapter 2 released in cinemas today, April 18, and while the film doesn’t belong to the typical mass-entertainer genre, early signs at the box office look promising. In the film, Akshay essays the role of C. Sankaran Nair, a courageous Indian lawyer who challenged the British Empire in court — a significant departure from his usual commercial fare.

The film kicked off with advance bookings worth around Rs 3 crore, according to Sacnilk, and had already collected Rs 1.59 crore by Friday afternoon. With a partial holiday in some regions due to Good Friday, the movie is expected to benefit from increased night show footfalls. Analysts predict a day 1 collection in the range of Rs 7-8 crore, depending heavily on word of mouth.

While Kesari Chapter 2 caters to a more niche audience, early social media reviews appear positive, suggesting the film might see a growth trajectory over the weekend. Cities like Mumbai and Delhi, along with the Punjab circuit — given the film’s regional relevance — are expected to drive performance. Compared to recent Akshay Kumar outings, the film’s initial buzz indicates a relatively stronger opening.

One Twitter review reads, "#Kesari2 is easily the best #Dharma film in the last 10 years, as also one of the best till date from #AkshayKumar. Director #KaranSinghTyagi makes a promising debut and narrates the Jallianwala Baug story with dignity and honesty. Every frame of #Kesari2 is designed to evoke an emotion - ranging from anger to emotion and pride. He gets the basics of interpersonal human emotions right, which makes the arc of redemption even bigger. The narrative is fast paced, the background score is effective and the use of #TeriMitti is a masterstroke. A particular sub plot in second half could have been shorter & treated better, but the finale evokes goosebumps, making up for the minute short-coming in narrative. Talking of performances, #KesariChapter2 belongs to #AkshayKumar. Seldom do actors deliver performances that could be talk of the town for a while, and #AK has done it twice in 2025 with #SkyForce and now #Kesari. As #CSankaranNair, he is OUTSTANDING. Watch out for the clap worthy monologue in last 20 minutes. #AnanyaPanday is the surprise package and delivers an extremely credible performance. She stands out in a particular courtroom interaction in 2nd half. #RMadhavan is phenomenal as the arch nemesis to the Khiladi. #SimonPaisleySay as General Dyer is a perfect casting for a menacing, & reckless terrorist in guise of an officer in command. #AmitSial and the rest of the ensemble do well in their respective roles. #KesariChapter2 is a film that deserves to be watched by everyone, to know of the heroics of #CSankaranNair taking down the terror of British reign. Kudos to the team for bringing this untold tale to the spectacle. ITS A MUST WATCH ON THE BIG SCREEN - GO FOR IT - KESARI 2 DESERVES SUCCESS!"

The 'Bahubali' star Rana Daggubati shared a Tweet that read, "Just watched an incredible historical courtroom drama — Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh. A powerful, important film that stands tall and stays deep with the Indian in you. This is storytelling that deserves to be seen across languages. We @SureshProdns will do everything we can to bring this cinematic gem to Telugu audiences in the best way in cinemas. A must-watch. And great performances by @akshaykumar @ActorMadhavan @ananyapandayy #KesariChapter2"

One Twitter user wrote, "“We are suing the crown for genocide!” Powerful moments when everyone clapped in the screening. A very special film and an outstanding performance by @akshaykumar in the untold story of Jallianwala Bagh & Sankaran Nair. Kesari Chapter 2 is brilliant from the first shot to the very last one. Our stories need to be told!"

Suniel Shetty shared a Tweet that reads, "When Courage commands the Screen, history doesn’t whisper – it thunders. Wishing Akki and the entire team of Kesari 2 the very best for this epic chapter.
@akshaykumar
#KesariChapter2."

According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Akshay Kumar’s 'Kesari 2' had a strong start at the box office, collecting approximately Rs 1.12 crore by 12 noon on its release day. The film, which opened on April 18, benefited from robust advance bookings, with over 50,000 tickets sold before release and over 4,400 shows scheduled nationwide. The positive initial response suggests Kesari 2 could see significant growth in collections through its opening weekend

Simon Paisley Day is a well-known British actor, born in Kent in 1967. He has worked for over thirty years in theatre, television, and film. He trained at the University of East Anglia and the Bristol Old Vic before starting his acting career. On stage, he has performed in many classic plays, including works by Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde.

On television, Simon has appeared in popular British series such as 'Doctor Who', 'Sherlock', 'Midsomer Murders', and 'The Crown'. He has also acted in films like 'Victoria & Abdul', 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker', and 'Brexit: The Uncivil War'.

In 'Kesari Chapter 2', Simon makes his Bollywood debut as General Reginald Dyer, the British officer responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. This film tells the story of C. Shankaran Nair, an Indian lawyer who fought for justice after the tragic event. Simon Paisley Day lives in Whitstable with his wife and two children.

Suniel Shetty extended his support to the Kesari 2 team with a powerful message on X. Sharing his wishes, he wrote, “When Courage commands the Screen, history doesn’t whisper – it thunders. Wishing Akki and the entire team of Kesari 2 the very best for this epic chapter. @akshaykumar #KesariChapter2.”

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar and actor Akshay Kumar have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for honouring the legacy of C. Sankaran Nair, a prominent lawyer and freedom fighter, ahead of the release of the film 'Kesari Chapter 2'. The movie, which stars Akshay Kumar in the lead role, centres on Nair’s courageous legal battle against the British Empire following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

During a public address in Haryana on April 14, PM Modi paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy and highlighted the lesser-known story of C. Sankaran Nair. PM Modi noted that while many are unaware of Nair’s contributions, he was a distinguished lawyer who chose to confront the British government rather than accept a comfortable position within it.

Akshay Kumar took to social media to thank the Prime Minister, writing on his official X account, "It is so important that we as a nation, especially the younger generation values the great women and men who fought valiantly to ensure that we breathe in a free country! (sic)".

Karan Johar echoed this sentiment on Instagram, appreciating Modi for shedding light on unsung heroes like Nair, whose story remains “unheard, untold & unread by so many of our citizens.” He wrote, "Thank you to our honourable PM Modi ji for shedding light on some of our unsung heroes of our Indian freedom, specifically C. Sankaran Nair whose story remains unheard, untold & unread by so many of our citizens. We are looking forward for Indians to discover another chapter of the freedom of India through the lens of our film Kesari - Chapter 2 soon."

As Kesari Chapter 2 hit cinemas today, Akshay Kumar shared that he’s not just playing a character — he’s carrying the weight of history as an Indian.

Taking to Instagram, Akshay posted a few powerful stills from the film, which also stars Ananya Panday and R. Madhavan. He captioned the post in Hindi, calling the story of C. Sankaran Nair “a storm, not just a story”.

He wrote: “This story shook me. We didn’t know that after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, one man had the courage to drag the British Empire to court — and bring it to its knees.”

Akshay added that he’s not approaching the role merely as an actor, but as a proud Indian. “Kesari Chapter 2 is not just a film. It’s an unfinished account, a painful memory… and above all, a fight for justice.”

He ended with a reminder, “Kesari Chapter 2 — now showing in cinemas near you.”

Akshay Kumar is portraying the powerful character of Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair in ‘Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh’. Nair was a respected lawyer, judge, and nationalist leader who bravely stood against British colonial rule after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. Instead of fighting with weapons, he challenged the British Empire through the law, resigning from the Viceroy’s Executive Council in protest and seeking justice for the victims.

To bring authenticity to the role, reportedly Akshay underwent a striking physical transformation and adopted a traditional Kathakali look, symbolising tradition, resistance, and truth. He shared this powerful image on social media, saying, “This is not a costume. It’s a symbol — of tradition, of resistance, of truth, of my nation. C. Sankaran Nair didn’t fight with a weapon. He fought the British Empire with the law — and with fire in his soul.” The film focuses on the courtroom drama that followed the massacre, highlighting Nair’s fearless legal battle against colonial injustice.

Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, ‘Kesari Chapter 2’ also stars Ananya Panday and R. Madhavan and is set to release on 18 April 2025. The movie aims to honour Nair’s legacy as a rare voice of resistance within the colonial establishment and remind audiences that India’s fight for freedom was fought not only on battlefields but also in courts and councils.

Bollywood actor Chunky Panday recently shared how proud he is of his daughter Ananya Panday for her role in the newly released historical film, ‘Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh’. He took to Instagram to post several photos from the film’s premiere night. The pictures included sweet family moments with Ananya and his wife Bhavana Panday, as well as a special shot of Chunky standing proudly in front of Ananya’s poster from the film.

The proud dad kept things light-hearted and emotional in his caption, writing, “What came first The Chicken or the Egg. So proud of you my dearest @ananyapanday for being a part of this cinematic wonder. #Kesari2 #PremierNight” Ananya plays a key role of lawyer Dilreet Gill in the film. Chunky’s post has since received lots of love from fans, who praised the father-daughter duo for their bond.

In 'Kesari Chapter 2', Akshay Kumar plays the real-life character Sankaran Nair. The film, set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, has just hit the screens. Akshay, known as one of the highest-paid actors in the industry, is believed to have charged a hefty fee for the film.

According to Forbes, his usual fee ranges from Rs 60 crore to Rs 145 crore per film, and reports suggest he may have taken a similar amount for 'Kesari 2', depending on its scale. However, last year, during an interview with Hindustan Times, Akshay revealed a shift in how he gets paid.

He said, "I agree with most of what he said. If we sign a film today, we don’t charge anything; we just take a stake. If it works, we get a share in the profit, but if it doesn’t, we don’t get any money."

It’s likely Akshay followed this model for 'Kesari 2', but this has not been confirmed yet.

The first reviews of 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh' have been overwhelmingly positive following a special screening in New Delhi on 15 April 2025. The film, starring Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan, has been praised for its emotional depth and historical significance by several political leaders and public figures.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed her admiration on social media, highlighting the film's powerful portrayal of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice. Sharing pictures from the event with the lead actors, she wrote in Hindi, “The film Kesari Chapter 2 presents the spirit of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice in a very impactful and emotional manner. Every scene is filled with pride and inspiration. Best wishes to Shri @akshaykumar, Shri @ActorMadhavan, and the entire team of #KesariChapter2. Thanks to Union Minister Shri @HardeepSPuri Ji for the invitation to the film screening.”

Akshay Kumar’s latest film ‘Kesari Chapter 2’ has hit cinemas and is already winning hearts. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the courtroom drama explores the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, focusing on C. Sankaran Nair’s legal fight against British rule. Based on ‘The Case That Shook The Empire’ by Raghu and Pushpa Palat, the film is being praised for its powerful storytelling and historical depth.

Social media users have flooded X with glowing reviews, calling it a “cinematic explosion of patriotism, power & pride.” Audiences are particularly impressed by the performances of Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, as well as the direction and writing. One viewer wrote, “Powerful & Emotionally Charged film... Strong Writing 📝 @AkshayKumar & @ActorMadhavan performance are outstanding.” Read the X review

Filmmaker and one of the producers of ‘Kesari Chapter 2’ Karan Johar has expressed strong outrage over a recent insensitive remark made by Caroline Dyer, the great-granddaughter of General Reginald Dyer, about the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Caroline had controversially labelled the innocent victims as ‘looters’ and suggested that the tragic event should simply be accepted as history. Johar responded firmly, stating, “Not just as an Indian, not just as a humanitarian, but just like anyone who has even an aorta of empathy, and aorta of humanity within yourself — it will anger you.” He condemned her words as “ridiculous” and questioned how she could call thousands of innocent people looters, especially since they had gathered on the auspicious day of Baisakhi to protest peacefully.

Johar’s anger was palpable as he added, “What love can you have in your heart when your actions only speak of hate? The fact that she is living in a la la land of her own, some delusion of her own... makes me so angry on a humanitarian level. Khoon khaulta hai jab maine woh video dekha (It boiled my blood to watch that video).” He emphasised the gravity of the massacre, one of the darkest genocides in Indian and world history, where British troops under General Dyer opened fire on unarmed civilians gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar on 13 April 1919, killing hundreds and injuring many more.

Johar also called for an apology from Caroline Dyer, stating, “The fact that she was disdainful of it makes me just angry and want to demand an apology even more.”

At the trailer launch event in Delhi, Akshay Kumar spoke about the use of the F-word in the teaser of his upcoming film 'Kesari Chapter 2'. The teaser shows a powerful moment from the British era, set around the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Akshay plays a sharp lawyer standing up against a British judge. In one dramatic scene, the judge tells him, "Don't forget you're still a slave of the British Empire." To this, Akshay’s character replies, "F* you."**

When asked about using such a strong word, Akshay shared his thoughts, saying, “Haan maine yeh word use kiya. But kamaal ki baat yeh ki aapne yeh cheez dekhi but jo word use kiya tha you are still a slave, that was not a big gaali for you? I think usse badi gaali nahi ho sakti. I would have been happy if you had said they used the word slave rather than talking about f you. Because according to me, at that time if they had shot with gun also it would have looked insignificant.”

(Yes, I used that word. But what’s surprising is that you noticed this, yet the phrase ‘you are still a slave’ was not considered a big insult? I think there can be no bigger insult than that. I would have been happier if you had pointed out that they used the word ‘slave’ rather than focusing on ‘f you’. Because according to me, at that time, even if they had shot someone with a gun, it would have looked insignificant.*) His strong response received loud applause from the audience, and Karan Johar was seen smiling.

Actor R. Madhavan has expressed deep pride in his role in the upcoming historical drama 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh'. Speaking to the media, he described the film as a "good portrayal of history, the way it is supposed to be." He added, "Britishers made a film about us titled 'Gandhi'; now we have made this film."​

During a screening in New Delhi, Madhavan shared, "I have had the good fortune of being part of many historic films, a lot of them depicting true stories about our country; this will be the proudest film of mine. I think everyone should see the film."

The film delves into the aftermath of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. R. Madhavan plays Neville McKinley, a lawyer defending the British Crown.

As 'Kesari Chapter 2' hits the big screens, Akshay Kumar opened up about the deeply personal connection he shares with the film’s subject. During the trailer launch, the actor revealed, “My dad was born just opposite Jallianwala Bagh. My grandfather has seen all this. This is very personal and very important. Baaki Karan Johar ne film gusse vich banaye kyunki inn vich gussa itna hai. Jo kuch hua hai, jitni jitni main kahaniyan sun raha hu, mere daddy dassaya vick, mere Dadaji dassaya vich, Karan Tyagi sara kuch samjhaya. Sanakaran Nair grandson yahan baithe hue hai. Unhone ne book likha hai uspe yeh film banaya hai.”

During a recent press conference, Akshay Kumar officially confirmed that Kesari will continue with a third installment. The actor revealed that Kesari 3 will be centered around the life of Hari Singh Nalwa, the legendary commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Fauj—the military force of the Sikh Empire. This announcement has sparked excitement among fans, as the franchise gears up to explore yet another heroic chapter from Indian history.

Vicky Kaushal, who recently roared at the Indian box office with 'Chhaava,' has taken to his social media handle to give a shout out to Akshay Kumar's courtroom drama 'Kesari Chapter 2.' Reviewing the movie, the actor shared, "An untold story told with so much grit, sincerity and sensitivity." He also appreciated the director by saying - "This is one hell of a directorial debut."

'Kesari Chapter 2' is inspired by the book 'The Case That Shook the Empire,' authored by Raghu Palat, the great-grandson of C. Sankaran Nair, along with Pushpa Palat. The film brings to life Nair’s courageous legal fight after he was sued for defamation by Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. Nair’s writings, which exposed the brutalities committed by the British during incidents like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, sparked this historic courtroom battle that challenged colonial power and left a lasting mark on India’s freedom movement.

The much-anticipated historical drama 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh' has hit the cinemas today, and it has already earned praise from several political leaders and dignitaries. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, has praised 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh' as a powerful tribute to India's freedom struggle. After a special screening in New Delhi on 15 April 2025, Puri took to X and said, "Kesari Chapter 2 is a powerful, deeply moving and evocative cinematic ode to India's freedom movement and to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh."

He highlighted the film’s gripping courtroom narrative, where Akshay Kumar, playing lawyer Sir C. Sankaran Nair, "rips apart the web of deceit and lies to bring out the truth of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre." Puri added, "This was one chapter of our history which waited long to unfold. The powerfully unifying message that this movie conveys must reach all Indians across the length and breadth of the country…In cinemas 18th April 2025 worldwide."

Ahead of the release of Akshay Kumar’s 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh', Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored the legacy of C. Sankaran Nair, the distinguished lawyer and nationalist leader portrayed in the film. In a public statement, PM Modi acknowledged Nair’s pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle, particularly his bold resignation from the Viceroy’s Executive Council in protest of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.

PM Modi emphasized that Nair’s courage and commitment to justice continue to inspire generations. He expressed hope that the film would shed light on Nair’s contributions and educate the public about this significant chapter in India’s history. The Prime Minister’s tribute added to the anticipation surrounding the film, which aimed to bring Nair’s story to a wider audience.

"Though he was from Kerala and the incident happened in Punjab, he fought the case and moved the British. Sankaran Nair ensured that the British government was brought to the court of law. This is what makes India great — one India, a united India.The people of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh should know about Sankaran Nair. Every adult and child should be aware of his contributions. We must remember him — he is an inspiration and a symbol of our patriotic spirit," shared PM Modi.

Akshay Kumar’s 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh' earned glowing praise from early viewers, especially after its special screening. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have been flooded with positive reactions, with many fans calling it one of Akshay's most powerful performances. Several even believe his portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair is worthy of a National Award.

“The clapping at the end from the special screening of #KesariChapter2 says it all that just like #SkyForce this movie will also be going to get a standing ovation from the audience in the theatres,” wrote a netizen.

“#KesariChapter2 is by farrrrrrr the BEST performance of #AkshayKumar The Background Music, Intensity, emotional scences & the Climax... PURE GOOSEBUMPS,” read another post.

While another internet user wrote - “National Award worthy Performance by both leads”.

Alongside Akshay, R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday have also been applauded for their impressive performances. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film revisits the historical events following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, focusing on Nair’s legal resistance against British authorities.

Ahead of the release of 'Kesari Chapter 2', Akshay Kumar has made a heartfelt appeal to his fans: avoid using mobile phones during the film. The actor emphasized that the movie's courtroom drama and emotional depth deserve undivided attention. He urged audiences to immerse themselves fully in the cinematic experience, suggesting that distractions like phone usage can detract from the film's impact. By making this request, Kumar aims to foster a respectful and engaging environment in theaters, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the story being told.

Akshay Kumar’s 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh' turns the spotlight on a lesser-known yet heroic figure from India’s freedom struggle — C. Sankaran Nair. A renowned lawyer and judge, Nair was also a prominent nationalist leader who made a bold statement against British rule. As a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council, he took a historic stand by resigning from his post in 1919 to protest the Jallianwala Bagh massacre — a brutal incident that left hundreds of innocent Indians dead under British command.

What set C. Sankaran Nair apart was his belief in the power of legal resistance. He didn’t stop at resignation; instead, he took the unprecedented step of legally challenging the British Raj by filing a defamation case against Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. His pursuit of justice became a landmark moment in colonial India’s legal history, reflecting his courage and unwavering dedication to human rights and national dignity. 'Kesari Chapter 2' aims to bring this powerful chapter of Indian history to the forefront, honoring the legacy of a man who dared to fight the empire in its own courtrooms.