Kesari 2, starring Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan, makes a stellar start at the worldwide box office with ₹15 crore on Day 1, beating Jaat in the opening clash.
Kesari Chapter 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 blockbuster, has stormed into cinemas with a ₹15 crore worldwide opening on Day 1, surpassing expectations and outperforming Jaat, another major release of the weekend. With Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan leading the charge, the film combines powerful storytelling with high-octane action to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Thunderous Opening Across Markets
Released in over 4,200 screens globally, Kesari Chapter 2 has made an immediate impact. The film grossed around ₹12 crore from the domestic market and an impressive ₹3 crore from overseas territories including the UAE, USA, Canada, UK, and Australia.
The film performed exceptionally well in northern states like Punjab, Delhi-NCR, and Uttar Pradesh, where the themes of valor and patriotism deeply resonate with the audience. Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala also saw decent footfalls, primarily due to Madhavan’s strong fan base.
Advance bookings in metro cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad were nearly houseful for evening and night shows, indicating strong urban appeal.
Akshay Kumar & Madhavan Deliver Power-Packed Performances
One of the biggest highlights of Kesari Chapter 2 is the intense chemistry between Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan, who portray real-life inspired military heroes. The film builds on the legacy of the first installment, adding layers of emotional complexity and strategic wartime storytelling.
Akshay, known for his patriotic roles, gives yet another compelling performance that showcases courage and sacrifice. Madhavan complements him beautifully with a grounded and cerebral portrayal of a war tactician. Their dynamic drives the narrative forward and gives the film an emotional core.
Watch the official Kesari Chapter 2 trailer for a sneak peek into the action, drama, and emotional gravity that defines the film.
Box Office Clash: Kesari Chapter 2 vs Jaat
The highly discussed box office clash between Kesari Chapter 2 and Jaat ended in favor of the former, as it outshone Jaat in both critical and commercial terms. While Jaat targeted regional circuits and leaned into folk storytelling, it couldn’t match the scale or promotional reach of Kesari Chapter 2.
According to Box Office India, Kesari Chapter 2 took a commanding 65% market share on Day 1 between both films. Its performance was particularly dominant in multiplexes, while Jaat saw better performance in a few single screens in Haryana and Rajasthan.
Audience & Critics React
The reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Critics praised the film’s tight screenplay, riveting performances, grand visuals, and emotional weight. The action sequences—especially the climax battle—have been called some of the best in recent memory.
Audiences took to social media to express admiration for the performances and direction. Twitter was flooded with hashtags like #KesariChapter2 and #AkshayKumarRocks, while Instagram reels showcased scenes and dialogues that are already becoming iconic.
Check out reviews and ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and BookMyShow to see the buzz for yourself.
What Lies Ahead?
Industry insiders expect the film to hit ₹50-55 crore globally by the end of its opening weekend. With no major Bollywood releases lined up in the next 7 days, Kesari Chapter 2 is expected to hold strong in the coming week.
The film is also performing well in overseas markets, where the Indian diaspora has shown strong support. International distributors have increased screen counts due to positive word-of-mouth, especially in Canada, UAE, and Australia.
Trade experts have also hinted at possible award nominations and an extended theatrical run, with some speculating that Kesari Chapter 2 could reach the ₹150 crore mark if current trends hold.
