The Bollywood box office is heating up with an exciting clash between Son of Sardaar 2 and Dhadak 2, both hitting theaters on August 1, 2025. As Ajay Devgn’s laugh-out-loud comedy goes head-to-head with Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri’s heart-wrenching love story, fans are buzzing with anticipation. But with Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha still dominating ticket sales, can either sequel carve out its own space? Let’s dive into this Son of Sardaar 2 vs Dhadak 2 box office clash and explore who might come out on top in this Bollywood battle.
A High-Stakes Bollywood Showdown
August 2025 kicks off with a cinematic spectacle as two major sequels compete for audience attention. Son of Sardaar 2, a comedy extravaganza starring Ajay Devgn, promises a riot of laughs, while Dhadak 2, a poignant romantic drama featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, tugs at the heartstrings. This clash is not just about star power but also about genre diversity—comedy versus romance—and the ability to stand out in a crowded market. With Saiyaara still ruling the roost and Mahavatar Narsimha gaining unexpected traction, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Son of Sardaar 2: Ajay Devgn’s Comedy Comeback
Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, Son of Sardaar 2 is a standalone sequel to the 2012 hit Son of Sardaar. Ajay Devgn reprises his role as Jassi, a man caught in a whirlwind of chaotic situations, this time set against a backdrop of a Sikh wedding and a mafia setup in Scotland. The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Mrunal Thakur, Ravi Kishan, Sanjay Mishra, and Deepak Dobriyal, and marks the final on-screen appearance of the late Mukul Dev. With songs like “Nachdi” and “The Po Po Song” creating some buzz, the film aims to deliver a fun-filled family entertainer.
Box office predictions for Son of Sardaar 2 suggest a modest opening of ₹6.5–7 crore, with some estimates reaching up to ₹9 crore if walk-in audiences show up. By August 1, the film had sold around 27,000 tickets across major chains like PVR Inox and Cinepolis, benefiting from a 50% discount offer on opening day tickets. However, the film faces challenges due to lukewarm pre-release buzz and limited screen availability, with distributors securing only about 35% of screens compared to their target of 60%. Despite these hurdles, Ajay Devgn’s star power and the film’s comedic appeal could drive footfalls, especially in mass circuits.
Dhadak 2: A Love Story with Depth
Dhadak 2, directed by Shazia Iqbal, is a spiritual sequel to the 2018 film Dhadak and a proud adaptation of the Tamil hit Pariyerum Perumal. The story follows Nilesh (Siddhant Chaturvedi), a law student from an oppressed caste, and Vidhi (Triptii Dimri), an upper-caste girl, as they navigate a love story fraught with caste politics and societal injustice. Produced by Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Cloud 9 Pictures, the film features a strong supporting cast, including Zakir Hussain, Vipin Sharma, and Saurabh Sachdeva.
Early reviews praise Dhadak 2 for its emotional depth and powerful performances, with The Times of India awarding it 3.5 stars for its nuanced storytelling and Siddhant’s transformative role. Triptii Dimri has called Siddhant’s performance the best of his career, and their off-screen friendship has translated into authentic on-screen chemistry. However, the film’s advance bookings are modest, with 18,000 tickets sold across national chains, and opening day estimates range from ₹3.5–4.5 crore. A controlled release strategy and competition from Saiyaara’s romantic genre may limit its initial impact, but positive word-of-mouth could boost its weekend performance.
The Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha Challenge
The Son of Sardaar 2 vs Dhadak 2 box office clash isn’t happening in a vacuum. Saiyaara, a romantic drama starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, continues its remarkable run, poised to hit ₹400 crore domestically. Despite mixed critical reviews, its strong word-of-mouth has made it 2025’s biggest overseas Bollywood hit, and it’s expected to earn around ₹7 crore on Friday, matching or surpassing the new releases. Mahavatar Narsimha, an animated mythological film, has also emerged as a surprise hit, crossing ₹44 crore in its first week and benefiting from positive reviews. Both films are eating into screen counts, particularly in single-screen theaters, making it tougher for the new sequels to secure prime showtimes.
Box Office Predictions: Who Will Win?
Based on current trends, Son of Sardaar 2 holds a slight edge due to Ajay Devgn’s mass appeal and the film’s broader release on 2500–3000 screens. Its family-friendly comedy genre and promotional offers, like buy-one-get-one-free tickets, could attract audiences in smaller towns. However, its underwhelming trailer response and lack of chartbuster music may cap its growth unless walk-in audiences embrace it. Trade analysts like Sumit Kadel predict a ₹7–9 crore opening, with potential for a stronger weekend if word-of-mouth is positive.
Dhadak 2, on the other hand, relies heavily on its emotional storytelling and urban multiplex audiences. Its staggered release strategy limits its opening day potential, but early reviews suggest it could gain momentum over the weekend, especially among younger viewers drawn to its social relevance and the fresh pairing of Siddhant and Triptii. Analysts like Taran Adarsh estimate a ₹3–4.5 crore start, with growth possible if reviews continue to shine. However, its niche appeal and competition from Saiyaara’s similar romantic genre may hinder its long-term run.
Surprisingly, Saiyaara remains the film to beat, likely retaining the top spot for a third week. Its sustained popularity and Mahavatar Narsimha’s unexpected success highlight the unpredictable nature of the 2025 box office, where new releases must fight for attention against holdover hits.
Why This Clash Matters
The Son of Sardaar 2 vs Dhadak 2 box office clash is more than just a battle for opening weekend numbers. It’s a test of Bollywood’s ability to sustain diverse genres in a competitive market. Son of Sardaar 2 represents the tried-and-tested formula of star-driven comedy, while Dhadak 2 bets on meaningful storytelling and emerging talent. Both films face the challenge of breaking through the noise created by Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha, making their performance a barometer for audience preferences in 2025.
Key Factors to Watch
- Word-of-Mouth: Both films need strong audience reactions to overcome modest pre-release buzz. Dhadak 2’s early positive reviews give it a slight edge here.
- Weekend Growth: Saturday and Sunday collections will be crucial, especially for Dhadak 2, which could see a jump if urban audiences respond well.
- Screen Allocation: Son of Sardaar 2’s struggle to secure screens could limit its reach, while Dhadak 2’s controlled release may help it maximize impact in key markets.
- Competition: Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha will continue to draw crowds, potentially splitting the audience across genres.
Son of Sardaar 2 vs Dhadak 2: Box Office Clash Overview
| Aspect | Son of Sardaar 2 | Dhadak 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | August 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 |
| Genre | Comedy | Romantic Drama / Social Commentary |
| Lead Cast | Ajay Devgn, Mrunal Thakur, Ravi Kishan, Deepak Dobriyal | Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri |
| Director | Vijay Kumar Arora | Shazia Iqbal |
| Production Houses | Ajay Devgn FFilms, Jio Studios | Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, Cloud 9 Pictures |
| Opening Day Estimate | ₹7-8 crore | ₹2.5-3 crore |
| Advance Bookings (tickets) | 28,000 | 18,000 |
| Franchise History | Sequel to Son of Sardaar (2012, opened at ₹10.7 crore) | Sequel to Dhadak (2018, opened at ₹8.7 crore) |
| Screen Count (Opening) | Wide release | Limited release (will expand with demand) |
| Critical Reception | Mixed to lukewarm | Positive (3.5 stars by The Times of India) |
| Notable Plot Points | Light-hearted family comedy | Caste-based love story inspired by Pariyerum Perumal |
| Performances Highlighted | Ajay Devgn’s comic timing | Siddhant Chaturvedi’s transformation and Triptii Dimri’s emotional depth |
| Audience Buzz | Moderate | Growing post-premiere word-of-mouth |
| Challenge from Saiyaara | Competing with strong third-week hold of Saiyaara (₹6.5-7 cr/day) | Same challenge; both new films risk being overshadowed by Saiyaara |
Final Thoughts
The Son of Sardaar 2 vs Dhadak 2 box office clash is a fascinating showdown that pits Ajay Devgn’s star power against the emotional pull of Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri’s love story. While Son of Sardaar 2 is likely to take the lead on opening day, Dhadak 2 has the potential to close the gap with strong word-of-mouth. However, both films face an uphill battle against the juggernaut that is Saiyaara and the surprise hit Mahavatar Narsimha. As Bollywood fans flock to theaters this weekend, the real winner might just be the audience, spoiled for choice with such diverse cinematic offerings. Who are you rooting for in this epic Bollywood battle?
FAQ: Son of Sardaar 2 vs Dhadak 2 – August Box Office Clash
Q1: Which films released on August 1, 2025?
Two major Hindi films clashed at the box office on August 1: Son of Sardaar 2, a comedy starring Ajay Devgn, and Dhadak 2, a romantic social drama featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri.
Q2: What genres do these films belong to?
Son of Sardaar 2 is a masala comedy with family entertainment appeal, while Dhadak 2 is a socially charged romantic drama focused on caste discrimination.
Q3: How did both films perform in terms of advance bookings?
By August 1, Son of Sardaar 2 had sold approximately 28,000 tickets across national chains, while Dhadak 2 had sold around 18,000.
Q4: What were the opening day estimates for both films?
- Son of Sardaar 2 was expected to open around ₹7–8 crore.
- Dhadak 2 had more modest estimates of ₹2.5–3 crore, with the potential to grow through strong word of mouth.
Q5: How are critics responding to Dhadak 2?
Critics have praised Dhadak 2 for its emotional depth and strong performances. The Times of India rated it 3.5 stars, particularly highlighting Siddhant’s transformation and Triptii’s convincing portrayal.
Q6: Is Dhadak 2 a direct sequel to Dhadak (2018)?
Not narratively. While it carries the title and some thematic overlap, Dhadak 2 is a standalone film inspired by the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal, exploring caste-based discrimination.
Q7: What is the biggest challenge facing both new releases?
Both films are competing against Saiyaara, which is still going strong in its third week, earning around ₹6.5–7 crore daily. This ongoing success may limit screen availability and audience share for the new entries.
Q8: How does Son of Sardaar 2 compare to its predecessor?
The first film, released in 2012, opened at ₹10.7 crore. The sequel’s projected lower opening suggests lukewarm audience anticipation despite Ajay Devgn’s recent box office success.
Q9: Could Dhadak 2 outperform Son of Sardaar 2?
While unlikely on Day 1, if Dhadak 2 gains traction through critical acclaim and audience word of mouth, it may close the gap or even surpass Son of Sardaar 2 by Sunday.
Q10: What is the audience sentiment around both films?
Son of Sardaar 2 benefits from Ajay Devgn’s comic appeal but lacks strong buzz. Dhadak 2 is being appreciated for its bold storytelling and heartfelt performances, especially among urban audiences.