When a superstar’s film fails to meet audience expectations, it often sparks intense public debate about their choices and career trajectory. Salman Khan, known for dominating the box office and shaping Bollywood trends, is frequently at the center of such discussions.
Following the underwhelming reception of Sikandar, even his loyal fans have criticized his recent decisions, urging him to reconsider the kind of scripts he signs. This reaction highlights how today’s viewers are increasingly vocal and less tolerant of repetitive or weak storytelling, regardless of a star’s legacy.
However, this level of scrutiny seems noticeably absent in the case of Ajay Devgn. Despite a string of disappointing releases like Singham Again, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, and Son of Sardaar 2, there has been minimal backlash from his fanbase or the industry.
Son of Sardaar 2, which had a strong legacy and major ensemble cast, collected only ₹6.75 crore on its opening day. The film is expected to close with a modest total, indicating core issues in both writing and execution. Still, there has been little public questioning of Ajay’s creative choices, exposing a curious gap in how audiences react to underperformance by different actors.
This disparity might come from differing audience expectations. Salman’s image as a larger-than-life entertainer could draw more heat when his films underwhelm. Or perhaps the recency of his failures makes them more visible. Regardless, both stars appear to be at a similar inflection point in their careers.
In a changing industry landscape, outdated formulas and weak narratives no longer guarantee success. If fans expect Salman Khan to evolve and choose better scripts, then holding Ajay Devgn to the same standard seems only fair. Quality storytelling should be the baseline, not the exception, no matter who the actor is.
