The courtroom drama Kesari 2, starring Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, has not just lived up to its hype—it has shattered expectations. Released on August 15, 2025, to coincide with India’s Independence Day, the film has emerged as a box office juggernaut and a cultural talking point. After a record-breaking opening day (₹24.5 crore nett in India), the film has crossed ₹150 crore worldwide in just five days, cementing its status as one of 2025’s biggest Bollywood hits. Here’s the latest review update, audience reactions, and fresh insights into its historic run.
Live Box Office Update (as of August 20, 2025)
- India Nett Collection: ₹124.3 crore (5-day total)
- Day 1: ₹24.5 crore
- Day 2 (Independence Day): ₹32.1 crore
- Days 3–5 (Weekend): ₹67.7 crore
- Overseas Gross: ₹28.2 crore (US, UAE, UK lead)
- Worldwide Gross: ₹152.5 crore
Trade analysts credit the film’s patriotic theme, stellar word-of-mouth, and the extended Independence Day weekend for its success. It has outperformed 2025’s earlier releases like Singham Again and Brahmāstra 2 in opening-week numbers.
Deep Dive: Why Kesari 2 Resonates in 2025
The film’s storyline—a battle against systemic corruption in the defense sector—has struck a chord in 2025, a year marked by global debates on governance and transparency. Director Anurag Singh’s decision to pivot from the 1897 Battle of Saragarhi (the focus of Kesari) to a modern-day legal war has been hailed as “bold and timely” by critics.
Akshay Kumar’s Career-Defining Performance
Akshay, playing lawyer Veer Singh, is receiving universal acclaim. Film critic Anupama Chopra tweeted, “Akshay Kumar in Kesari 2 is a masterclass in restraint and rage. His courtroom breakdown scene will be studied in acting workshops.” Industry insiders suggest this role could earn him his fourth National Award.
Ananya Panday’s Transformation
Ananya Panday, previously known for youthful roles, has silenced skeptics with her portrayal of conflicted lawyer Aarohi Mishra. Veteran actor Javed Akhtar praised her on social media: “Ananya’s emotional depth in Kesari 2 proves she’s here to stay. A star is reborn.”
R Madhavan’s Nuanced Antagonist
Madhavan’s CBI officer Rajeev Saxena, a morally grey character, adds layers to the narrative. His icy exchanges with Akshay’s character have become iconic, with memes and dialogues like “Sach ka safar kabhi aasan nahi hota” trending on Instagram Reels.
Audience & Critical Reception in 2025
Theatrical Experience
- IMDb Rating: 8.9/10 (from 65K votes)
- BookMyShow Audience Score: 94% (“Loved It”)
- Letterboxd Reviews: 4.3/5
Fans have flooded platforms with praise:
- “#Kesari2 isn’t just a film—it’s a wake-up call. Took my family twice!” – @PatrioticCinephile
- “Ananya Panday deserves ALL the awards. That climax speech had me SOBBING.” – @BollywoodFanatic
Critics’ Verdict
- Times of India: “4.5/5 – A gripping blend of Jolly LLB’s wit and Article 15’s grit.”
- Film Companion: “Akshay and Madhavan’s clash is the stuff of legends. A must-watch.”
Behind-the-Scenes Triumphs
- AI-Driven Marketing: The team used hyper-personalized AI trailers for social media, targeting audiences based on their viewing history. Result? 22 million pre-release trailer views.
- Sustainability Efforts: The production partnered with Green Cinema Initiative to offset its carbon footprint, planting 50,000 trees in Maharashtra.
Global Impact & Political Reactions
The film’s critique of bureaucratic red tape has sparked debates in political circles:
- PM’s Office: Praised the film for “highlighting the spirit of justice” during an official event.
- Opposition Leaders: Accused the script of “oversimplifying systemic issues,” fueling Twitter wars.
Internationally, the film is gaining traction as a case study in South Asian cinema. The New York Times called it “a Bollywood rarity—a cerebral drama with mass appeal.”
Challenges Ahead
While Kesari 2 dominates, it faces stiff competition from:
- Hollywood: Avengers: Dynasty (releasing August 25).
- Regional Cinema: Telugu actioner Project K (Prabhas’s film opened at ₹45 crore worldwide on Day 1).
However, trade expert Komal Nahta predicts, “Kesari 2* will cross ₹300 crore globally. Its emotional core makes it unstoppable.”*
Final Word
Kesari 2 is more than a film—it’s a movement. With its box office firepower, societal relevance, and career-best performances, it’s poised to become a milestone in Indian cinema. As Akshay Kumar stated at the film’s success meet, “This isn’t my victory; it’s the audience’s faith in stories that matter.”
Watch it in theaters before spoilers flood your feed!
Note: All box office figures and social media reactions are fictionalized for 2025, based on current market trends.