Just days before its release, Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar 2 is already sinking fast—struggling to secure even 35% screen allocation, while a massive 65% of theatres continue backing Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha. These two films are dominating, leaving Devgn’s big-budget sequel gasping for visibility.
Originally slated for July 25, the film was postponed to August 1. This calculated delay was meant to avoid the Saiyaara juggernaut—but the shift has come at a cost. Now it clashes not only with the still-strong Saiyaara, but also with Dharma’s Dhadak 2, setting the stage for a brutal multi-film collision. Dhadak 2 has opted for a targeted release across roughly 1,000 urban screens, while Son of Sardaar 2 is scrambling for a diminished footprint of around 2,500 screens—far below its initial plan of 3,500.
Despite its ₹100 crore scale—courtesy of abroad shoots, a large ensemble cast, and hefty production values—the film is facing tough resistance from exhibitors who are reluctant to drop proven money-makers. PVR / INOX reportedly demanded 60% showtime, but exhibitors reportedly capped it at just 35% because Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha continue to draw audiences reliably. In many single-screen theatres, Son of Sardaar 2 got slapped with merely two shows a day, empowering older favorites and leaving minimal options for Devgn’s sequel.
Let’s recall: the original Son of Sardaar (2012) clashed with Shah Rukh Khan’s Jab Tak Hai Jaan—and only managed an average box office response despite being starring Devgn’s own vehicle. This sequel, without buzz or uniqueness, now seems to be repeating history—only with fewer screens and more competition.
Trade insiders estimate a ₹6–9 crore opening day for Son of Sardaar 2, putting it below even the Day 1 of its predecessor (₹10 cr). That’s humiliating for a Devgn-starrer with mass-market ambitions. In addition, early projections from firms like Ormax peg its opening closer to ₹7 crore nett, which is barely a whisper—not the blockbuster shout the makers hoped for disaster.
No, this isn’t overreaction—it’s pragmatism. Son of Sardaar 2 is suffering from screen starvation, fierce competition, and a premature clash fueled by desperation. This has the makings of a comedy sequel turned flop classic. And in the ruthless world of Bollywood, sometimes missing screens is more destructive than missing the stars.