The highly anticipated period action-drama Kesari Veer, starring Sooraj Pancholi, Suniel Shetty, and Vivek Oberoi, hit theaters on May 23, 2025, but its opening day performance at the box office has been underwhelming. Directed by Prince Dhiman and Kanu Chauhan, the film, which chronicles the heroic tale of Hamirji Gohil defending the Somnath temple in the 14th century, was expected to resonate with audiences through its patriotic narrative and intense battle scenes. However, early estimates suggest the film collected a mere ₹0.01 crore net in India on its first day, with no significant overseas data reported yet, marking a disappointing start for the historical epic. Here’s a closer look at Kesari Veer’s Day 1 box office performance and the factors behind its sluggish debut.
A Dismal Opening Day in India
According to Sacnilk, Kesari Veer earned an estimated ₹0.01 crore net in India on its opening day, reflecting a shockingly low turnout for a film of its genre and scale. The movie, released on approximately 2,000 screens across India, struggled to draw audiences despite pre-release hype fueled by a teaser showcasing fierce battle sequences and a patriotic storyline. The film’s occupancy rate was not explicitly reported, but the paltry collection suggests theaters remained largely empty, with morning shows likely seeing single-digit attendance.
The ₹0.01 crore figure, while labeled as a preliminary estimate by Sacnilk, indicates a lack of initial buzz or effective marketing. Unlike Kesari Chapter 2, which opened to ₹7.84 crore net in India on April 18, 2025, Kesari Veer failed to capitalize on the patriotic fervor that often boosts historical dramas. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users expressing surprise at the film’s inability to attract crowds, one noting, “Kesari Veer’s trailer promised so much, but where are the audiences?”post:general
Overseas Performance: Virtually Nonexistent
No concrete data is available for Kesari Veer’s Day 1 overseas collections, suggesting minimal traction in international markets like North America, Australia, or the Gulf, where Bollywood films often find a foothold. In contrast, Kesari Chapter 2 grossed $262,673 in North America alone on its opening day, with strong showings in Canada ($155,840) and the U.S. ($106,832). The absence of similar enthusiasm for Kesari Veer abroad points to limited pre-release promotion or a lack of star power to draw diaspora audiences, despite the presence of veterans like Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi.
Given the lack of overseas figures, the worldwide collection for Kesari Veer on Day 1 is effectively pegged at ₹0.01 crore, assuming negligible contributions from international markets. This starkly contrasts with expectations set by Pinkvilla, which predicted a modest ₹1-2 crore opening in India alone, citing the film’s patriotic appeal and marketing potential.
Why the Poor Start?
Several factors likely contributed to Kesari Veer’s dismal Day 1 performance:
- Competition and Market Saturation: The film released amidst a crowded box office, competing with high-profile releases like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, projected to open with over $200 million worldwide, and lingering competition from Kesari Chapter 2 and Chhaava, which have dominated Bollywood box office charts. Kesari Chapter 2, for instance, had amassed ₹139.97 crore worldwide by May 6, 2025, and continued to draw audiences in its fifth week.
- Limited Star Power: While Sooraj Pancholi carries the lead, his track record at the box office has been inconsistent, and Kesari Veer lacks the A-list draw of an Akshay Kumar or Ajay Devgn, who have anchored recent successes like Kesari Chapter 2 and Raid 2. The supporting cast, including Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi, may not have been enough to pull in crowds on opening day.
- Marketing Missteps: Despite a promising teaser released on May 16, 2025, the film’s promotional campaign appears to have fallen flat. Pinkvilla noted that successful marketing could boost the opening, but the ₹0.01 crore figure suggests a failure to generate sufficient buzz or leverage patriotic sentiment, unlike Kesari Chapter 2, which benefited from a BOGO ticket offer and Akshay Kumar’s star power.
- Budget Concerns: With a reported budget of ₹50-60 crore, Kesari Veer faces pressure to recover costs. The abysmally low Day 1 collection puts it on shaky ground, as even a modest hit requires ₹100 crore to break even, per industry standards for similar films.
The Road Ahead
For Kesari Veer to recover, it will need a significant boost over the weekend, driven by positive word-of-mouth or targeted promotions. Historical dramas often rely on strong narratives to gain traction, and the film’s focus on Hamirji Gohil’s bravery could resonate if reviews are favorable. However, the lack of early momentum and competition from bigger releases pose challenges. The second weekend of Kesari Chapter 2, for example, saw a spike due to audience appreciation and promotions, a model Kesari Veer might need to emulate.
Analysts remain skeptical, with some on X suggesting the film may struggle to cross ₹10 crore in its lifetime unless it sees an unexpected surge. The verdict is still out, but Kesari Veer’s opening day signals a tough road ahead in a competitive market.
A Missed Opportunity for a Patriotic Epic
Kesari Veer’s Day 1 worldwide collection of approximately ₹0.01 crore reflects a missed opportunity for a film with a compelling historical premise. While its budget is lower than Kesari Chapter 2’s ₹150 crore, the lackluster start raises questions about its commercial viability. As audiences flock to established blockbusters, Kesari Veer must find a way to stand out to avoid fading into obscurity. For now, its opening day performance underscores the challenges of breaking through in a crowded and star-driven Bollywood landscape.
