Akshay Kumar’s highly anticipated film, Kesari 2, has burst onto the big screen with an impressive start, attracting Rs 3 crore in advance bookings. Premiering today, April 18th, the film has already grossed over Rs 1.5 crore on its opening day in India, signalling its strong reception.

Set against the backdrop of the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, this courtroom drama places Akshay Kumar at the heart of a gripping narrative that intertwines history with powerful storytelling. The film has quickly captured the hearts of audiences, political leaders, and the Bollywood fraternity, all of whom have praised its performances, storyline, and screenplay.

Fans of Kesari and Akshay Kumar have taken to social media to share their excitement and appreciation. Videos showcasing standing ovations from viewers at special screenings have gone viral, highlighting the film’s emotional resonance. Akshay Kumar, along with co-star Ananya Panday, participated in various promotional events, contributing to the film’s growing buzz.

One enthusiastic viewer shared their thoughts online, exclaiming, “The second half is absolutely electrifying! The monologue by Ananya and Akshay is heart-wrenching and compels us to confront the brutal realities of the British Raj, especially the extent to which they went to justify the atrocities of events like Jallianwala Bagh.” They even posed an intriguing question: “Will the Crown ever apologise to India?” This reflection illustrates how the film resonates with audiences, encouraging them to engage with the historical narrative.

Moreover, the film honours the unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle. One viewer remarked on X, “Before the teaser for Kesari 2, I had no idea who C. Sankaran Nair was. This film has truly opened my eyes!”

Leading up to the release, Union Minister Hardeep Singh showered praise on the film’s impactful dialogue after a screening, with Delhi CM Rekha Gupta echoing similar sentiments.

Bollywood actor Suneil Shetty also expressed his admiration on social media, stating, “When courage commands the screen, history speaks boldly.”

Adding to the wave of praise, renowned South Indian star Rana Daggubati shared his thoughts post-screening, calling it “a powerful and essential film that resonates with every Indian.”

Overall, Kesari 2 is more than just entertaining cinema; it serves as a poignant tribute to a pivotal moment in Indian history, urging audiences to reflect on the past while celebrating the bravery of those who fought valiantly for freedom. The film’s narrative not only aims to educate but also to inspire a sense of pride and awareness about the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence.

An FIR has been filed against actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, and three others following a complaint that a scene in the film ‘Jaat’ has “hurt the sentiments” of the Christian community, police reported on Friday (April 18, 2025).

According to the complaint submitted by a leader of the Christian community, the film, which premiered on April 10, features scenes that allegedly disrespect Jesus Christ and Christian religious practices.

Viklav Gold, the complainant, has also pointed out the controversial timing of the film’s release, coinciding with Good Friday, observed on April 18 of this year.

The FIR, lodged on Wednesday evening at the Jalandhar Cantt police station by Sanjeev Kumar, the station house officer, names actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, and Vineet Kumar, as well as director Gopichand and producer Naveen.

“The FIR was filed under Section 299 of the IPC, which pertains to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting a religion or its beliefs,” the SHO stated.

The creators of “Jaat” have exciting news: a sequel to the popular action drama has been officially announced! The Bollywood film, featuring Sunny Deol, debuted in theatres on April 10, 2025.

Directed by the talented Gopichand Malineni, “Jaat” is produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory. The production team took to social media to tease the sequel, stating, “This time, the mass spectacle will be even bigger, bolder, and wilder.”

“Jaat” unfolds the story of a village in Andhra Pradesh beset by injustice and brutality, longing for a hero. Enter Jaat, an outsider who learns of the village’s plight and resolves to confront the corrupt system.

The film also boasts an impressive cast, including Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, Regina Cassandra, and Saiyami Kher in key roles. In its review, The Hindu commented, “The violence is overt, with severed heads featured prominently, and it exploits crimes against the vulnerable to provoke the audience. If you’re willing to set aside your discerning taste, this mass spectacle is yours to enjoy.”

At the box office, “Jaat” earned an impressive ₹20 crore within its first two days in India and was approaching ₹60 crore by the end of its first week. Meanwhile, Sunny Deol is currently busy filming “Border 2,” the follow-up to the iconic 1997 war drama, as well as “Lahore 1947,” directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan, featuring Preity Zinta.

KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty have shared the enchanting news of their daughter’s arrival, unveiling her name to the world for the very first time. The couple, celebrating Rahul’s birthday, introduced their baby girl named Evaarah, a name that encapsulates their joy and love.

Introducing Evaarah: A special moment for the new family

In a touching moment filled with pride and emotion, actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer KL Rahul shared the first picture of their little one. The heartfelt reveal quickly captured the affection of fans and followers, who flooded the couple with warm wishes and congratulations. Athiya, in her post, expressed her profound love, writing: “Our baby girl, our everything. 🪷 Evaarah/ इवारा ~ Gift of God.”

Earlier in March, Athiya had joyfully announced her pregnancy with a charming Instagram illustration of two swans accompanied by the message, “Blessed with a baby girl.”

The journey to parenthood

The couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony on January 23, 2023, at Suniel Shetty’s picturesque farmhouse in Khandala. A few months later, in November 2024, they marked another milestone in their lives with an adorable announcement about their impending parenthood, sharing a sweet post that read, “Our beautiful blessing is coming soon. 2025,” along with emojis of tiny feet.

Suniel Shetty’s heartfelt reflection as a grandfather

Suniel Shetty, Athiya’s father, expressed his joy as a newly minted grandfather in a heartfelt LinkedIn post. He articulated the paradox of life, emphasising how true contentment often lies in the simplest moments. He reflected on his journey, stating, “It’s funny how life works. You spend years chasing achievements, but real happiness stems from the simplest of things.”

He shared the indescribable joy of holding his granddaughter, acknowledging how those cherished moments eclipse all worldly pursuits. His reflections on family and legacy poignantly captured the essence of life’s most rewarding experiences.

Warm wishes from the celebrities’ circle

The joyous news has evoked an outpouring of affection from fellow celebrities and friends. Anushka Sharma, a close friend of Athiya, celebrated the occasion with a heart emoji on her post, while Sobhita Dhulipala remarked, “This is everything.” Samantha Ruth Prabhu also joined in, leaving a flurry of heart emojis to shower love on the precious new addition to the Shetty-Rahul family.

As KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty embark on this beautiful journey of parenthood, they are surrounded by love and support from their family, friends, and countless admirers.