Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar 2 is facing an uphill battle at the box office even before its release, as strong competition from Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha threatens its screen count. While audiences are enjoying these two films currently running in theatres, the makers of Son of Sardaar 2 are finding it difficult to grab enough screens for a grand release this week. The comedy sequel has received underwhelming response to its promos and songs, with many fans calling the content outdated and forced.
The situation gets more complicated as Karan Johar’s Dhadak 2, featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tripti Dimri, is also aiming for a major release. While the makers of Son of Sardaar 2 reportedly requested around 3,500 screens, the demand is clashing with that of Dhadak 2, which is seeking at least 1,000 screens on its opening day. Distributors, already occupied with allocating screens for Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha, now have to juggle demands between Ajay Devgn’s sequel and Karan Johar’s latest production.
Given these challenges, Son of Sardaar 2 might be forced to settle for around 2,500 screens, which could impact its opening weekend collections. Many feel this scenario echoes the 2016 clash between Shivaay and Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, when Ajay Devgn had also faced difficulty in securing screens. With Karan Johar once again in the picture, some are calling this a calculated screen war rather than a coincidence.
In an effort to turn things around, the team behind Son of Sardaar 2 hopes to rely on strong word of mouth, but with the screen count already dented, expectations for a grand opening have taken a hit. Whether this comedy sequel can rise above competition or face a repeat of history is something the box office will reveal soon.
