The highly anticipated courtroom drama, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, starring Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, and R Madhavan, is all set to hit theaters tomorrow, April 18th. As the release date draws closer, the film’s advance booking numbers are beginning to paint a picture of its potential at the box office.
Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, Kesari Chapter 2 serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2019 hit film Kesari, which was based on the historic Battle of Saragarhi. This time, the narrative shifts its focus to the aftermath of the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. Akshay Kumar portrays the role of C. Sankaran Nair, the Indian lawyer who bravely challenged the British Empire in court, seeking justice for the victims. R Madhavan essays the character of Neville McKinley, the lawyer defending the Crown, while Ananya Panday is expected to bring a contemporary perspective to the historical retelling in a supporting role.
Modest Yet Encouraging Initial Response
According to early reports from trade sources, Kesari Chapter 2 has garnered a modest but encouraging response in its advance bookings. As of Thursday morning, approximately one day before its release, the film has sold a significant number of tickets across India.
Industry tracking website Sacnilk reports that Kesari Chapter 2 has already sold over 25,000 tickets across more than 3,500 shows, accumulating a net advance booking collection of over ₹80 lakh. When factoring in blocked seats and premium formats, the total gross advance booking collection is estimated to be around ₹1.85 – ₹1.88 crore.
While these numbers indicate a start that might not be as explosive as some mega-budget action films, they are considered a positive sign for a courtroom drama, which typically relies more on word-of-mouth and on-the-spot bookings. The jump in advance bookings over the past 24 hours has been particularly noteworthy, showing a significant increase in momentum as the release date nears.
Regional Performance and Key Territories
Looking at the regional breakdown, Maharashtra and the Delhi-NCR region are leading in terms of advance booking collections. Mumbai and Delhi are the top contributing cities, indicating strong initial interest in these metropolitan areas. Other key states like Gujarat, Punjab, and West Bengal are also showing promising trends in ticket sales.
It’s important to note that advance bookings are just an initial indicator, and the film’s performance on its opening day and the subsequent weekend will be crucial in determining its overall success. The Good Friday holiday on the release day is expected to further boost footfalls through current bookings.
Grand Premiere and Star Appeal
The makers of Kesari Chapter 2 held a grand premiere in New Delhi on Tuesday, which was attended by several prominent political leaders and dignitaries. Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan personally welcomed the guests, generating further buzz and attention for the film.
Akshay Kumar, known for his versatility and strong screen presence, is a major draw for the audience. His portrayal of a determined lawyer fighting for justice in a historical context is highly anticipated. The presence of talented actors like R Madhavan and Ananya Panday further adds to the film’s appeal.
Word-of-Mouth to Play a Crucial Role
Given the nature of the film as a courtroom drama centered around a significant historical event, positive word-of-mouth will be critical for its long-term success. If the film resonates with the audience and critics praise its storytelling and performances, it could witness a significant surge in collections over the weekend.
Akshay Kumar himself has urged the audience to watch the film attentively, emphasizing the importance of the dialogues and the historical context.
Comparisons and Expectations
While Kesari Chapter 2 is a sequel in spirit, its genre and subject matter are different from the action-packed Kesari. Therefore, direct comparisons in terms of opening day numbers might not be entirely accurate. However, the initial advance booking trends suggest a decent start, and the film has the potential to grow based on its content and audience reception.
Some trade analysts believe that the film’s patriotic undertones and the compelling historical narrative could resonate strongly with the audience, leading to a strong performance over the extended weekend.
Final Thoughts
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is poised to open in theaters tomorrow, and its advance booking numbers indicate a modest but encouraging start. The film’s performance over the opening weekend will be crucial, with word-of-mouth and on-the-spot bookings expected to play a significant role in its box office journey. With a strong cast, a compelling historical backdrop, and the anticipation surrounding a spiritual sequel to a successful film, Kesari Chapter 2 has the potential to leave a mark at the box office. All eyes are now on its release and the audience’s reaction to this untold chapter of Indian history.