Kesari Chapter 2, a historical courtroom drama directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi, premiered in theaters, starring Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, and R Madhavan. The film has garnered steady success, collecting ₹64.40 crore worldwide in its first five days, as per industry estimates, showcasing its strong audience appeal.

The movie has performed impressively at the box office. In India, it earned ₹39 crore net and ₹46.40 crore gross, complemented by ₹18 crore from overseas markets, resulting in a global tally of ₹64.40 crore. Despite Tuesday being a weekday, the film achieved a 23.25% occupancy rate in India, with attendance surging as the day progressed. Collections saw a modest increase on Tuesday, signaling sustained interest, and anticipation is high for its full first-week performance.

Box Office Breakdown

• Day 1: ₹14 crore
• Day 2: ₹30 crore
• Day 3: ₹49.75 crore
• Day 4: ₹56.60 crore
• Day 5: ₹64.40 crore

In a conversation with a news outlet, Tyagi revealed that the film’s concept was sparked by The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. He was struck by the book’s revelations about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre’s political underpinnings. “It wasn’t merely a tragedy but a calculated act of oppression,” Tyagi noted. He described the three-year journey of research and location scouting, emphasizing, “We were committed to telling this story with authenticity and emotional depth.”

Kesari Chapter 2 is a spiritual sequel to Akshay Kumar’s 2019 film Kesari. Set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre’s aftermath, it centers on a determined lawyer’s battle against British colonial rule. Akshay portrays C Sankaran Nair, with R Madhavan as his courtroom rival, Neville McKinley, and Ananya Panday as Dilreet Gill. Produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films, the film masterfully blends historical significance with gripping legal drama, illuminating a crucial chapter in India’s struggle for justice.

Netflix India unveiled the trailer for The Royals, a vibrant romantic comedy series slated to premiere on May 9. Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, the show boasts a stellar cast led by Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, and iconic actress Zeenat Aman. The ensemble also features Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, Milind Soman, Chunky Panday, Vihaan Samat, Kavya Trehan, Sumukhi Suresh, Udit Arora, Lisa Mishra, and Luke Kenny, promising a lively, star-studded spectacle.

Penned by Neha Veena Sharma, The Royals weaves a tale of romance between Aviraaj (Khatter), a privileged royal heir, and Sophia (Pednekar), a determined entrepreneur. Following his father’s death, the maharaj of Morpur, Aviraaj must trade his carefree polo-playing days for royal responsibilities. Meanwhile, Sophia aims to transform the majestic Moti Mahal into a luxurious Royal B&B. Their budding love story unfolds amid the chaos and humor of a dysfunctional Indian royal family, caught between age-old traditions and modern ambitions.

Bhumi Pednekar shared her excitement about the project, highlighting the joy of experimenting with her character’s wardrobe. “This series allowed me to dive into a fresh, urban role, which I don’t often explore. I’m drawn to compelling scripts, and this one is both sensitive and forward-thinking,” she said. Pednekar emphasized the show’s broad appeal, noting its ability to resonate with diverse audiences through its inclusive storytelling.

Ishaan Khatter described the series as a modern twist on the classic royal-commoner romance. “When The Royals was first discussed, many assumed it was a historical drama, but it’s far more contemporary and dynamic,” he remarked. Khatter hinted at surprises in store, promising a narrative that blends romance, humor, and cultural commentary.

With its mix of opulent settings, witty exchanges, and a clash of old-world charm and new-age aspirations, The Royals aims to captivate viewers with its fresh take on love and legacy in a rapidly changing India.

Prominent film personalities across India have spoken out in strong condemnation of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead and several injured. Among the casualties were an Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau personnel.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan expressed his heartfelt sorrow and fury over the brutal attack. In a message on his X account, Khan wrote, “Words fail to express the sadness and anger at the treachery and inhumane act of violence that has occurred in Pahalgam. In times like these, one can only turn to God and say a prayer for the families that suffered and express my deepest condolences. May we as a Nation, stand united, strong and get justice against this heinous act.”

Actor Salman Khan also shared his anguish on social media, lamenting the bloodshed in what he called “heaven on earth.” He wrote, “Kashmir, heaven on planet earth turning into hell. Innocent people being targeted, my heart goes out to their families. Ek bhi innocent ko marna puri kainath ko marne ke barabar hai (Killing one innocent person is equals to killing an entire nation).”

Global star Priyanka Chopra took to Instagram to denounce the violence and emphasize the human tragedy behind the numbers. “What happened in Pahalgam is reprehensible… So many innocent lives were caught in a storm they never asked for. Targeted, right in front of their loved ones. I’m so deeply anguished by this,” she stated.

The tragedy triggered a wave of solidarity and sorrow across the entertainment industry. Celebrities like Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Allu Arjun, Ram Charan, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Katrina Kaif also voiced their support for the victims’ families and called for justice.

The attack took place at Baisaran, a picturesque meadow near the tourist town of Pahalgam, around 3 PM on Tuesday. Armed terrorists opened fire indiscriminately, leading to a tragic loss of lives and injuries. The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba group, claimed responsibility for the assault.

Security forces, including the Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, have launched an intensive manhunt in the region. Aerial evacuation of the wounded was carried out due to the challenging terrain, and local residents played a critical role in aiding the injured.