Shankaran Nair Biopic ‘Kesari Chapter 2’ Off to a Strong Start with ₹7.5 Crore Opening on April 18
Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of C. Sankaran Nair in Kesari Chapter 2 impresses audiences, with the film collecting ₹7.5 crore on Day 1 at the domestic box office.
Key Highlights:
Shankaran Nair, the eminent lawyer and freedom fighter, comes alive on screen through Akshay Kumar’s powerful portrayal in Kesari Chapter 2. Released on April 18, 2025, the film has made a solid start at the box office, earning ₹7.5 crore on its opening day across India.
Despite being a courtroom drama—a genre often seen as niche—the film has struck a chord with both critics and audiences, especially for its historical significance and compelling performances.
A Glimpse into C. Sankaran Nair’s Legacy
The Shankaran Nair biopic, inspired by the book The Case That Shook The Empire, chronicles the life of the former President of the Indian National Congress who challenged the British Empire over the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Known for his legal acumen and moral courage, Nair resigned from the Viceroy’s Council and later took the British to court, marking a landmark moment in India’s legal history.
Akshay Kumar brings depth and grit to the character, while R. Madhavan, playing the role of British prosecutor Neville McKinley, provides a strong adversarial dynamic. Ananya Panday’s role as Dilreet Gill adds emotional grounding to the narrative.
Opening Day Performance: Strong Numbers for a Courtroom Drama
On Day 1, Kesari Chapter 2 collected ₹7.5 crore nett, a notable figure given its genre. The film witnessed higher occupancy in Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh, and parts of Punjab, thanks to the subject’s regional resonance. In South India, too, the film received a decent response in multiplexes.
According to box office trackers, the film is expected to maintain momentum through the weekend, with early estimates projecting a ₹22–25 crore collection by Sunday evening.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Response
The Shankaran Nair biopic has received praise for:
- Authentic historical representation
- Stellar performances by Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan
- Engaging courtroom sequences
- Evocative cinematography and soundtrack
Many viewers have described the film as “educational yet gripping,” with several lauding its effort to highlight a lesser-known hero of India’s freedom movement.
What’s Next for Kesari Chapter 2?
With Kesari Chapter 2 being positioned as a spiritual sequel to the 2019 hit Kesari, the current trajectory bodes well for its commercial success. If it continues at this pace, it may surpass the ₹100 crore mark by the end of its second week.
The film’s creators have also organized special screenings for students and law schools across India, in an effort to raise awareness about Shankaran Nair’s role in pre-independence justice.
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