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.

On Friday, the Chennai Super Kings officially announced the signing of South African all-rounder Dewald Brevis as a replacement for the injured pacer Gurjapneet Singh for the remainder of the IPL season. This strategic move adds a dynamic young talent to the CSK roster, as Brevis is widely regarded as one of the most exciting emerging cricketers globally.

Dewald Brevis, who has quickly made a name for himself in the cricketing arena, debuted internationally in T20 cricket in 2023 and has since participated in various franchise tournaments around the globe.

His remarkable performances in leagues such as the IPL, Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Major League Cricket (MLC), and SA20 have demonstrated his potential and skill. In the recently concluded 2025 SA20 season, he stood out as one of the top players, finishing as the sixth-highest run-scorer with an impressive 291 runs at an explosive strike rate of 184.17. His contributions were pivotal in guiding MI Cape Town to their first title, showcasing his ability to perform on big stages.

In an official media statement, the IPL emphasised the importance of this signing, stating, “Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed South Africa’s Dewald Brevis as a replacement for the injured Gurjapneet Singh for the remainder of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.” This announcement signifies CSK’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the tournament despite dealing with injuries.

At just 21 years of age, Brevis has a previous association with the Mumbai Indians, having played 10 matches during the 2022 and 2024 seasons. His overall T20 experience includes 81 matches in which he accumulated 1,787 runs, with a highest score of 162.

Brevis is often referred to as “Baby AB” because of the striking resemblance in both looks and playing style to the legendary AB de Villiers. With this new opportunity, Brevis will don the Chennai Super Kings jersey for ₹2.2 crore, and fans are eagerly anticipating his contributions throughout the remainder of the IPL season.

Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 is poised to make its streaming debut soon, showcasing superstar Vikram in a thrilling Tamil action film that has left a mark on audiences. Prime Video officially announced today, April 18, that this much-anticipated sequel, directed by SU Arun Kumar, will be available on their platform starting April 24.

Since its theatrical release on March 27, Veera Dheera Sooran has been met with both critical acclaim and positive audience reception. The Hindu commended the film, remarking that Vikram’s gangster drama unfolds like a “grand spicy Madurai ‘kari vidundhu’,” noting its clever blend of tension, exhilarating fan service, and standout performances that reach dramatic heights. The film is also celebrated for its action set-pieces, which strike with the timing of perfectly executed explosions.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a temple festival in Madurai, the narrative follows the life of Kaali, a provision store owner who appears to have turned his back on a troubled past, embracing the role of a loving husband and father. However, when his former crime boss, Periyavar Ravi, resurfaces, Kaali is reluctantly pulled back into the dangerous world he thought he had left behind.

Over the course of a nerve-wracking night, he faces mounting challenges, especially when tasked with eliminating SP Arunagiri. As Kaali battles to protect his family while confronting the ghosts of his violent past, he is drawn into a perilous game of survival, facing threats from every direction.

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including SJ Suryah, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Dushara Vijayan, and Prudhvi Raj, all delivering commendable performances. The film’s music is composed by GV Prakash Kumar, providing an energetic score that enhances the gripping narrative. The cinematography, handled by Theni Eswar, and the sharp editing by Prasanna GK contribute to the film’s intense atmosphere. Riya Shibu produces the project under her HR Pictures banner.

Veera Dheera Sooran will be available to stream on Prime Video in Tamil, with additional dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, catering to a wide audience spectrum.