Son of Sardaar 2 Review: Ajay Devgn’s Comeback Comedy Faces Fierce Box Office Clash

Ajay Devgn’s Return as Jassi Sparks Nostalgia and Laughter

The long-awaited sequel to the 2012 hit Son of Sardaar has finally landed in theaters, and fans are buzzing. Son of Sardaar 2, directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, brings back Ajay Devgn in his iconic turbaned avatar, Jaswinder “Jassi” Singh Randhawa, now navigating chaos in the highlands of Scotland. With a fresh ensemble cast, including Mrunal Thakur, Ravi Kishan, Neeru Bajwa, and Deepak Dobriyal, the film promises a riot of comedy, action, and Punjabi warmth.

But the timing couldn’t be trickier. Released on August 1, 2025, the film is battling stiff competition from Dhadak 2 and the surprise box office juggernaut Saiyaara. Despite modest advance bookings of around 1.26 lakh tickets and a ₹2.03 crore gross on Day 1, trade analysts are skeptical about its ability to dominate the weekend.

Cast & Characters: A Vibrant Ensemble

Ajay Devgn reprises his role as Jassi Randhawa, bringing his signature comic timing and swagger. Mrunal Thakur plays Rabia, a strong female lead with emotional depth. Ravi Kishan steps in as Raja, replacing Sanjay Dutt due to visa complications. Neeru Bajwa makes a brief but impactful appearance as Jassi’s wife, while Deepak Dobriyal steals scenes in a gender-bending comic role. Supporting performances by Kubbra Sait, Chunky Panday, Sanjay Mishra, and a posthumous appearance by Mukul Dev round out the ensemble.

Plot Overview: From Punjab to Scotland

Jassi travels to Scotland to reconcile with his estranged wife but ends up entangled in a mob conflict, mistaken identities, and a hilariously chaotic wedding. The film leans heavily into slapstick humor, cultural clashes, and emotional beats, aiming to appeal to audiences across generations. The shift from Punjab to Scotland adds a fresh visual palette and international flavor to the narrative.

Why This Is Trending Right Now

Son of Sardaar 2 is currently trending due to a combination of nostalgia, star power, and viral moments. Google Trends data shows a sharp spike in searches for the film following the trailer release on July 11 and its theatrical debut on August 1. Social media platforms are buzzing with clips from the romantic track Pehla Tu Duja Tu, especially Ajay Devgn’s quirky finger dance that has become a meme sensation. Tributes to Mukul Dev, whose final performance adds emotional weight, have also struck a chord with fans. Additionally, Suniel Shetty’s public praise for the film, calling it a “laugh riot,” has added credibility and excitement to its release.

Early Reviews: Mixed But Entertaining

Initial reviews for Son of Sardaar 2 are mixed but lean toward entertaining. Suniel Shetty praised Ajay Devgn’s performance, saying, “Only Ajay can pull off this level of madness with swag.” Filmibeat described the movie as a “double dose of fun with Punjabi warmth,” while Koimoi noted that although the film showed decent trends in advance booking, it didn’t match the hype of Devgn’s previous hit Raid 2. Overseas critics have been more reserved, with some calling it a “forced sequel,” though acknowledging its appeal to fans of the original.

Box Office Performance and Release Strategy

On its opening day, Son of Sardaar 2 sold approximately 1.26 lakh tickets across 5,000 shows, generating a gross of ₹2.03 crore. While these numbers are respectable, they fall short compared to the competing releases Dhadak 2 and Saiyaara, which have shown stronger momentum. The film is expected to have a limited theatrical run before transitioning to Netflix for its OTT release, where it may find a broader audience, especially among diaspora viewers in the United States and Canada.

Music & Cultural Impact

The soundtrack of Son of Sardaar 2 blends traditional Punjabi folk with contemporary beats, composed by Jaani and Vishal Mishra. Songs like Po Po and Pehla Tu Duja Tu are already gaining traction on social media platforms, particularly Instagram Reels and TikTok. The music plays a crucial role in the film’s emotional and comedic arcs, enhancing its appeal across age groups and regions.

FAQ Section

Is Son of Sardaar 2 a direct sequel?
No, it’s a spiritual sequel that carries forward the tone and style of the original but introduces a new storyline and characters.

Where is the film set?
The story is primarily set in Scotland, offering a fresh backdrop compared to the original’s Punjab setting.

Will it stream online?
Yes, Son of Sardaar 2 will be available on Netflix after its theatrical run.

Why is Sanjay Dutt not in the film?
Sanjay Dutt was originally cast but had to be replaced due to visa issues. Ravi Kishan stepped in to play the role.

What’s the genre of the film?
It’s an action-comedy with strong Punjabi cultural elements and family drama.

Final Thoughts

Son of Sardaar 2 is a bold attempt to revive a beloved franchise with fresh energy and a global setting. While it may not be a box office juggernaut, its nostalgic appeal, vibrant performances, and cultural humor make it a worthwhile watch. Ajay Devgn’s comic timing remains impeccable, and the film’s heart lies in its celebration of Punjabi spirit and familial chaos.

Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the music, or the emotional tribute to Mukul Dev, Son of Sardaar 2 offers a colorful cinematic escape. Its journey at the box office may be uncertain, but its cultural footprint is already making waves.