‘Son of Sardaar 2’ Opens to Tepid Box Office, Struggles Amid Heavy Competition

In a dramatic weekend for Bollywood, Son of Sardaar 2, the sequel to the 2012 Ajay Devgn-led action-comedy, hit theatres with high hopes but underwhelming numbers. Despite the star power and a loyal fan base of the original, the film witnessed a surprisingly slow start at the box office, hinting at a tough journey ahead.

A Sequel Ten Years in the Making

Bringing back the trademark turban, punches, and Punjabi one-liners, Son of Sardaar 2 had all the elements of a masala entertainer. Ajay Devgn returned to the role with his signature swagger, accompanied by high-octane action sequences and a dash of desi humor. However, what seemed like a nostalgic ride back to the charm of the original failed to connect with the new generation of viewers.

Clash of the Titans at the Box Office

The timing of the release might have worked against the film. Son of Sardaar 2 didn’t just arrive solo—it walked into a crowded battlefield. Competing directly with the romantic drama Dhadak 2, the action-packed Saiyaara, and the mythological spectacle Mahavtar Narsimha, the film faced stiff resistance across urban and rural circuits.

Each of these competing films carved out its own audience segment. While Dhadak 2 appealed to the youth and romantics, Saiyaara drew in the action-thriller crowd, and Mahavtar Narsimha captured the family and devotional demographic. This left Son of Sardaar 2 squeezed for attention in an already saturated market.

Day One Collection—A Lukewarm Welcome

Industry insiders revealed that the film’s day one collections hovered in the lower range compared to expectations. Despite being released on a significant number of screens nationwide and benefiting from aggressive pre-release promotions, the footfall at theatres remained lukewarm.

Early estimates suggest that the film struggled to breach the double-digit crore mark on its opening day, which is a concern given its big-budget production. Exhibitors and distributors are now banking on word-of-mouth traction to hopefully reverse the trend in the coming days.

What Went Wrong?

Several factors seem to be contributing to the film’s shaky opening:

• Outdated Formula: Critics and a section of the audience felt that the film leaned too heavily on old-school tropes. The over-the-top comedy and action, which once worked a decade ago, now feel recycled in an era where storytelling has evolved rapidly.
• Lack of Emotional Connect: The sequel, though visually grand, reportedly lacks the emotional core and character development that today’s viewers demand. Audiences are no longer satisfied with just flying kicks and punchlines—they’re craving depth.
• Changing Audience Preferences: With the rise of OTT platforms and more nuanced cinema, audience expectations have shifted. They are increasingly drawn to layered narratives, strong female characters, and social relevance—things Son of Sardaar 2 may not have delivered in sufficient measure.

The Road Ahead

All is not lost for Son of Sardaar 2. Weekends can sometimes be deceptive, especially when a film finds its feet slower than expected. Family audiences, particularly in North India, could still gravitate toward the film over the coming week. Moreover, Ajay Devgn’s loyal fan base might show up in numbers during the Independence Day holiday window if buzz improves.

Producers are also hoping for better numbers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where the film’s mass-appeal might resonate more than in multiplex-heavy metros.

Final Thoughts

The underwhelming start of Son of Sardaar 2 is a reminder of how unpredictable the box office landscape has become in recent years. Big names no longer guarantee big returns. Audiences are making it clear—they want stories that reflect the times, challenge norms, and connect emotionally.

For Son of Sardaar 2, the next few days will be critical. Either it finds its footing and redeems its slow start, or it becomes another example of how nostalgia alone can’t carry a film to success.

Regardless, the film’s performance is already stirring conversations in Bollywood circles about the future of sequels, the risks of franchise fatigue, and the pressing need for fresh content in commercial cinema.