Kesari 2 Advance Bookings: Huge Jump Needed

Akshay Kumar’s Kesari Chapter 2, produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, is all set to hit the screens this Good Friday. The courtroom drama, which is directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, is the untold story of C Sankaran Nair and has been getting superlative reviews.

But even with the good word from the critics, the advance booking figures for the film are disappointing. With one day remaining for release, Kesari Chapter 2 has sold approximately 10,000 tickets at the top multiplex chains—PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis—for its opening day.

Experts in the industry feel that the film must cross at least 40,000 to 50,000 advance bookings to make a good opening, considering it is releasing on a holiday, which generally increases footfalls. Realistically, it could make it to 30,000 to 40,000, but that too is short of the mark.

The budget of the film is more than ₹150 crore, and it is an expensive affair. To be considered a hit, Kesari Chapter 2 must collect a minimum of ₹200 crore globally. The opening day collection will be ₹7-8 crore net, which is low for a holiday release.

The film’s original courtroom drama genre and serious tone may restrict its mass appeal, but positive word-of-mouth and walk-in will help it increase over the weekend.

Finally, the success of the film rests with the audience. A huge jump in advance bookings is essential for Kesari Chapter 2 to perform well at the box office.