Akshay's 'Kesari' creates new box office records on first day
What's the story
This Holi, the box office turned Kesari, courtesy Akshay Kumar's recent release. Based on the Battle of Saragarhi, Kesari is one of the most talked about movies of the year. Given the palpable excitement for Akshay's war drama, the movie set the box office on fire. Helmed by Anurag Singh, Kesari created new records at the box office on the first day itself.
Collection
Surprising all, 'Kesari' emerges as highest opener of 2019
After the intriguing trailer left the audience mesmerized, it was expected that Kesari would open to a decent collection. But much to everyone's surprise, the war drama went on to emerge as the highest opener of the year. Bollywood trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to Twitter to declare, "Kesari roar. Emerges the biggest opener of 2019 [so far]. Thu Rs. 21.50 cr. India biz".
Twitter Post
'Kesari' is Akshay's second biggest opener, informs Adarsh
Top *Opening Day* biz - 2019...
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) March 22, 2019
1. #Kesari ₹ 21.50 cr [Thu]
2. #GullyBoy ₹ 19.40 cr [Thu]
3. #TotalDhamaal ₹ 16.50 cr
4. #CaptainMarvel ₹ 13.01 cr
Note: ₹ 10 cr+ openers.
India biz.#Kesari is Akshay Kumar’s second biggest opener, after #Gold [₹ 25.25 cr; #IndependenceDay].
Opener
'Kesari' replaces '2.0' to emerge as Akshay's second highest opener
Furthermore, Kesari went on to become Akshay's second highest opener ever. The first place is taken by Akshay's 2018 release Gold, which opened to an impressive collection of Rs. 25.25 cr. While Gold was followed by Akshay-Rajinikanth's 2.0, with the first day collection of Rs. 20.25 crore, it has now been replaced by Kesari. We wonder how many records Kesari will shatter.
Story
'Kesari' is the story of 21 brave heart Sikh soldiers
For the uninitiated, Kesari narrated the story of the Battle of Saragarhi, which is said to be one of "the bravest battles ever fought" in the history of the world. This battle was fought between 21 soldiers of the British Indian Army's Sikh Regiment and 10,000 Afghan tribesmen in September 1897. The regiment, which was led by Havildar Ishar Singh, fought till their death.
Information
'Kesari' leaked online by TamilRockers, just a day after release
Meanwhile, Kesari became the recent target of piracy giant TamilRockers and was leaked online just a day after its theatrical release. According to media reports, the movie was available for free download in HD quality. Would this affect the movie's collections? Only time will tell.