As the release date for Son of Sardaar 2 looms, the buzz around Ajay Devgn’s latest venture is anything but promising. The high-budget sequel, set to hit theaters on August 1, 2025, is already facing an uphill battle. With limited screen allocations and fierce competition, the film risks becoming a cautionary tale in Bollywood’s high-stakes game. Here’s a closer look at why Son of Sardaar 2 might be headed for a box office disaster.

A Crowded Battlefield: Tough Competition

The film’s release was strategically delayed from July 25 to August 1 to sidestep the juggernaut that is Saiyaara. However, this move has backfired. Son of Sardaar 2 now faces a direct clash with Saiyaara, which continues to dominate theaters, and Dhadak 2, a targeted urban release by Dharma Productions. While Dhadak 2 has secured around 1,000 screens in key cities, Son of Sardaar 2 is struggling to lock in 2,500 screens—well short of its planned 3,500. This reduced footprint severely limits its visibility and earning potential.

Screen Starvation: Exhibitors Favor Proven Hits

Despite its ₹100 crore budget, boasting exotic international shoots and a star-studded ensemble, Son of Sardaar 2 is failing to win over exhibitors. Major chains like PVR/INOX pushed for a 60% showtime allocation, but theater owners, prioritizing the sustained success of Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha, have capped it at just 35%. In single-screen theaters, the situation is even bleaker, with the sequel often relegated to a mere two shows daily. This screen scarcity is a death knell for a film banking on mass appeal.

A Lackluster Legacy: Repeating Past Mistakes

The original Son of Sardaar (2012) faced a similar fate, clashing with Shah Rukh Khan’s Jab Tak Hai Jaan and delivering only a middling performance despite Ajay Devgn’s star power. The sequel seems to be following in its footsteps, lacking the fresh appeal or buzz needed to stand out. Without a unique selling point or strong pre-release hype, it risks fading into the background of Bollywood’s competitive landscape.

Dismal Projections: A Weak Opening Looms

Trade analysts are painting a grim picture for Son of Sardaar 2. Early estimates suggest an opening day collection of ₹6–9 crore, a far cry from the ₹10 crore debut of its predecessor. Ormax projections are even less optimistic, pegging the opening at around ₹7 crore nett. For a film with blockbuster aspirations, these figures are underwhelming and signal a lack of audience enthusiasm.

The Verdict: A Recipe for a Flop?

In Bollywood, success hinges on visibility, timing, and audience connect. Son of Sardaar 2 is faltering on all fronts. With limited screens, stiff competition, and a lack of pre-release excitement, the film is poised to become a textbook example of a high-budget sequel gone wrong. As the industry watches closely, one thing is clear: in the cutthroat world of cinema, missing screens can be more damaging than missing the mark creatively.

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