It seems the magic of Bollywood sequels is wearing off, as two of the most talked-about follow-up films have stumbled badly at the box office. Despite the hype, star power, and aggressive promotions, neither Son of Sardaar 2 nor Dhadak 2 managed to maintain momentum beyond their opening weekends.
Son of Sardaar 2, led by Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur, entered cinemas with sky-high expectations, banking on the goodwill of the 2012 original. The first weekend brought in decent numbers, but Monday proved to be the real litmus test — and the film simply couldn’t hold up. Collections dropped sharply, signaling fading audience interest. Critics point to a predictable storyline and outdated humour as reasons behind the underwhelming response, while some fans complained that the sequel lacked the emotional punch and charm of the first film.
If Son of Sardaar 2 had a bumpy ride, Dhadak 2 faced an even harsher reality. Marketed as an intense romantic drama with a social message, the sequel aimed to recreate the emotional depth of its 2018 predecessor. However, poor word of mouth quickly dampened its chances. Box office figures took a nosedive after the opening, with many viewers expressing disappointment over the screenplay and the chemistry between the lead actors. Despite having a younger, fresher cast, the film couldn’t connect with audiences the way the original did.
Industry experts note that these back-to-back setbacks highlight a growing challenge for Bollywood — sequels can no longer rely solely on brand recognition or nostalgia to succeed. Audiences today expect innovation, fresh storytelling, and substance, not just a rehash of familiar plots. The failure of these two films is a reminder that a strong script and genuine engagement with the audience remain more important than ever.
As the year progresses, several other sequels are lined up for release, but after the fate of Son of Sardaar 2 and Dhadak 2, both filmmakers and studios may need to rethink their approach. After all, in today’s competitive cinema landscape, box office survival depends not just on the name of the franchise — but on delivering a film worth watching.
