When Son of Sardaar 2 was announced, fans were eager to see Ajay Devgn return to his much-loved comic-action avatar. The first film had its share of over-the-top humour, high-energy action, and catchy dialogues that became memorable for fans. However, the sequel’s box office performance tells a different story.
Now, as the film completes 12 days in theatres, the numbers indicate a steep drop in earnings, leaving trade experts concerned about whether it can recover from this slump.
The High Expectations
The original Son of Sardaar (2012) was a commercial entertainer that appealed to mass audiences with its loud comedy, colourful Punjabi setting, and action-packed sequences. Given the fan following for Ajay Devgn and the nostalgia factor, Son of Sardaar 2 was expected to replicate — if not exceed — the success of its predecessor.
The sequel was marketed as a bigger, funnier, and grander version, with action choreography, music, and production values scaled up. However, while the buzz was decent before release, the film’s performance in the second week shows a worrying trend.
Opening and First Week Performance
The film opened to an average response, collecting a respectable amount on Day 1 but falling short of blockbuster levels. The first weekend saw moderate footfalls, boosted largely by Ajay Devgn’s loyal fan base and strong performance in North Indian circuits.
However, as the weekdays began, collections started dipping faster than expected. Negative word of mouth and mixed reviews from critics meant that the film’s momentum slowed significantly.
Day 12 Box Office Collection
On its 12th day, Son of Sardaar 2 witnessed yet another drop in earnings. According to trade estimates, the film collected ₹1.5–1.8 crore on Day 12, which is a steep decline compared to its opening weekend numbers.
The occupancy rate in theatres has reduced, with many morning and afternoon shows recording low attendance. Evening shows in certain regions are still performing slightly better, thanks to the Punjabi cultural connect and family audiences, but it’s not enough to make a significant difference in overall numbers.
Total Collection So Far
After 12 days, Son of Sardaar 2 has managed to earn approximately ₹38–40 crore at the domestic box office. This is far below what trade analysts had predicted before the release.
In the overseas market, the film has fared slightly better in regions with a large Punjabi diaspora, such as Canada, the UK, and Australia. However, international collections have not been strong enough to offset the domestic slowdown.
Reasons for the Decline
- Mixed Reviews – While Ajay Devgn’s performance has been appreciated, the film’s screenplay, humour, and predictability have been criticised by both critics and audiences.
- Clash with Other Releases – The film faced competition from newer releases in its second week, leading to a drop in screen count and audience interest.
- Lack of Novelty – The sequel did not offer a fresh storyline, relying heavily on the same formula as the first part, which may have failed to attract younger audiences.
- Strong Competition on OTT – With multiple new releases on streaming platforms, many viewers have opted to wait for the OTT premiere instead of heading to theatres.
Audience Response
Fans who loved the first Son of Sardaar were divided over the sequel. While some enjoyed the familiar characters and comic timing, others felt the humour was outdated and the emotional beats forced.
Social media reactions reflect this divide, with hashtags like #AjayDevgnRocks trending on some days, while others call the film a “missed opportunity.” The music album, despite having a few catchy tracks, has not managed to create the viral impact that could have boosted footfalls.
Ajay Devgn’s Performance
One thing that almost everyone agrees on is that Ajay Devgn delivers a committed performance. His comic timing, action scenes, and charismatic screen presence are still the highlights of the film. However, even a strong lead performance cannot fully save a film if the writing and direction fall short of expectations.
The Road Ahead
With collections dipping in the second week and the third week expected to see more competition from upcoming big releases, Son of Sardaar 2 faces an uphill battle to cross even the ₹50 crore mark domestically.
The film might still manage to recover some ground through its satellite rights and OTT deal, but as far as its theatrical run is concerned, the writing seems to be on the wall.
Trade Expert Opinions
Trade analysts believe that the film’s underperformance is a combination of weak word of mouth and high expectations that it couldn’t live up to.
Film trade expert Ramesh Bala was quoted as saying:
“The problem with Son of Sardaar 2 is that it tries too hard to recreate the magic of the first film without adding enough freshness. Audiences today want entertainment with novelty. That’s where it falls short.”
What This Means for Ajay Devgn
Ajay Devgn has had a mixed run at the box office in recent years. While some of his films like Drishyam 2 and Tanhaji have been huge hits, others have struggled. Son of Sardaar 2 will likely be remembered as a project that had potential but couldn’t fully deliver.
However, Ajay has several promising projects lined up, including big-budget action dramas and thrillers, which could quickly shift focus away from this setback.
Conclusion
Son of Sardaar 2 entered theatres with the promise of fun, action, and nostalgia. While it delivers on some of these aspects, its overall box office journey so far suggests that it may not reach the blockbuster status fans were hoping for.
By Day 12, the film is clearly struggling to maintain momentum. Unless there’s a miracle in the coming days, this Ajay Devgn starrer might be remembered more for its missed opportunities than its achievements.
Still, for die-hard Ajay fans and those who enjoyed the first part, the film offers enough lighthearted moments to be worth a watch — especially when it eventually lands on streaming platforms.
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