Ajay Devgn’s much-anticipated sequel, Son of Sardaar 2, recorded a sluggish start at the domestic box office, registering the lowest Day 1 earnings among his post-COVID sequel projects. Despite Devgn’s strong fan following and pre-release buzz, the film struggled to draw significant footfall, reportedly earning under Rs. 4 crore on opening day. Analysts cite a combination of factors, including franchise fatigue, lackluster reviews, and competing releases, as contributors to the underwhelming performance. The film’s muted debut has sparked concern among trade watchers, raising questions about the viability of legacy sequels in a post-pandemic theatrical landscape.
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Underwhelming Opening for a Legacy Sequel
The first day box office performance of Son of Sardaar 2 signals a surprising setback for Ajay Devgn, whose brand equity typically ensures strong openings regardless of critical reception. The film reportedly garnered an estimated Rs. 3.85 crore on Day 1, making it the lowest among his post-COVID sequel slate—lagging behind the debuts of Drishyam 2, Bholaa, and Raid 2.
This stark contrast is significant considering Devgn’s recent successes, particularly with Drishyam 2, which benefited from strong word-of-mouth and a tightly woven narrative. In contrast, Son of Sardaar 2 appears to have failed to strike a chord with both critics and early viewers.
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Factors Behind the Sluggish Performance
Several variables appear to have worked against the film’s prospects. First, the sequel arrives over a decade after the original, with much of the cultural relevance of the franchise having waned. Unlike Devgn’s more recent projects, Son of Sardaar 2 leans heavily on slapstick humor and dated tropes—an approach that seems to have lost resonance with today’s multiplex and OTT-exposed audiences.
Second, the film faces stiff competition from ongoing box office performers, regional cinema successes, and upcoming big-ticket releases. Industry experts also point to underwhelming promotional activity and mixed advance booking figures as early red flags that preceded its release.
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Post-COVID Trends: Changing Audience Dynamics
The disappointing Day 1 figures for Son of Sardaar 2 reinforce a broader shift in consumer preferences post-COVID. Audiences now seek content that offers novelty, depth, or high entertainment value, and nostalgia-driven sequels are no longer a guaranteed draw. Viewers have grown more discerning, with digital platforms raising the bar for storytelling and performance.
Ajay Devgn’s career trajectory post-pandemic has included both commercial triumphs and critical duds, making it increasingly important for him—and other stars of his generation—to recalibrate their film choices and approach to franchise-building.
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Road Ahead: Can the Film Recover?
While Day 1 numbers were far from ideal, the weekend and subsequent weekdays will offer a more complete picture of the film’s market standing. The recovery potential depends on several factors: audience reception in smaller towns, word-of-mouth traction, and weekday holds.
However, early indicators suggest that unless a dramatic shift in public sentiment occurs, Son of Sardaar 2 may struggle to cover production and marketing costs, let alone emerge as a box office success.
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Conclusion
Son of Sardaar 2’s tepid opening underscores the risks associated with belated sequels that rely on outdated formulas and untested nostalgia. In a cinematic environment recalibrated by the pandemic, audience expectations have evolved—demanding not just familiarity, but freshness. For Ajay Devgn and other industry veterans, the message is clear: longevity in Bollywood’s new normal will depend on reinvention, not repetition.
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