Son of Sardaar 2 Movie Review: A Blend of Nostalgia, Comedy, and Chaos

A Chaotic Mix of Comedy and Drama

Son of Sardaar 2 takes Jassi (Ajay Devgn) to Scotland where he attempts to reconcile with his estranged wife played by Mrunal Thakur. The story kicks off with Jassi, a lively yet troubled character getting entangled in a mob conflict and a chaotic Sikh wedding. As he navigates cultural clashes he must also save hostages and salvage his marriage all while delivering the signature over-the-top comedy that fans expect from a Bollywood entertainer. The narrative is a spiritual continuation of the 2012 film loosely connected to its predecessor but with a fresh setting and new characters.

The plot revolves around Jassi’s attempts to balance personal relationships with external conflicts including a mob feud that adds a layer of action to the comedy. The inclusion of a Sikh wedding brings vibrant visuals and cultural elements, but the storyline often feels stretched and formulaic. While the film tries to blend nostalgia with modern sensibilities the script lacks the sharpness and originality needed to elevate it beyond a typical masala entertainer. The humor at times feels recycled leaning heavily on slapstick and exaggerated scenarios that don’t always land.

Performances: Ajay Devgn Shines, Supporting Cast Adds Flavour

Ajay Devgn reprising his role as Jassi is the heart of Son of Sardaar 2. His charm and comic timing remain impeccable carrying the film through its weaker moments. Devgn effortlessly blends action-hero swagger with light-hearted humour making Jassi a relatable yet larger-than-life character. His ability to switch between intense action sequences and goofy comedy is a highlight though the script doesn’t always give him room to fully showcase his versatility.

Mrunal Thakur as Rabiya brings a refreshing energy to the film. Her chemistry with Devgn is earnest but the underdeveloped romantic arc limits their on-screen connection. Thakur’s performance is sincere but her character lacks depth leaving her with little to do beyond being the emotional anchor for Jassi.

The supporting cast including Ravi Kishan and Sanjay Mishra adds significant value. Ravi Kishan’s over-the-top portrayal of a quirky character injects much-needed energy while Sanjay Mishra’s comedic timing delivers some of the film’s funniest moments. Kubbra Sait, who completed her dubbing in April 2025, brings a modern edge to her role though her screen time feels limited. The ensemble cast including Vindu Dara Singh and others contributes to the chaotic energy, but some characters feel underutilised serving as mere plot devices. The film also marks the posthumous appearance of Mukul Dev adding an emotional layer for fans.

Direction and Cinematography: Vibrant but Uneven

Director Vijay Kumar Arora takes a bold approach setting Son of Sardaar 2 in picturesque locations like Edinburgh, London and Chandigarh. The cinematography captures the scenic beauty of Scotland’s Firth of Forth and Punjab’s vibrant landscapes adding a visual appeal that complements the film’s energetic tone. The 50-day shooting schedule in the UK and India ensures a polished look with colourful wedding sequences and action-packed moments standing out.

However the direction falters in pacing and coherence. The film tries to juggle multiple subplots romance mob conflicts and family drama but struggles to tie them together seamlessly. The comedic beats often feel forced, and the dramatic portions lack emotional weight making the narrative feel disjointed. Arora’s attempt to recreate the magic of the original Son of Sardaar falls short as the film leans too heavily on nostalgia rather than innovation.

Music: A Mixed Bag of Nostalgia and Remakes

The soundtrack composed by Jaani, Tanishk Bagchi Harsh Upadhyay, Lijo George-DJ Chetas, Tejwant Kittu, Jay Mavani, and Sunny Vik is a blend of nostalgic recreations and new tracks. The title track Son of Sardaar 2 sets the tone with its high-energy vibe but feels average compared to the original. Pehla Tu Duja Tu (7 July 2025) has a catchy sound but lacks memorable choreography while Nachdi (14 July 2025) a remake of a legendary song resonates with audiences for its familiarity. The Po Po Song (17 July 2025) a recreation from the 2012 film fails to recapture the original’s charm receiving criticism for feeling outdated.

The background score by Amar Mohile and Salil Amrute complements the film’s chaotic energy but doesn’t stand out. While the music adds to the film’s festive vibe, it lacks the freshness needed to make a lasting impact. Fans of the original Son of Sardaar may enjoy the nostalgic tracks but new listeners might find the soundtrack underwhelming.

Box Office Expectations and Audience Reception

Son of Sardaar 2 was expected to capitalise on the success of its predecessor which grossed ₹161.48 crore worldwide despite mixed reviews. However early buzz suggests the sequel might struggle to match those numbers. Posts on X indicate mixed sentiment with some praising Ajay Devgn’s star power and the film’s family-friendly appeal while others criticise the outdated comedy and lacklustre trailers. The first and second trailers released in July 2025 failed to generate significant excitement with many calling the humour “cringe” and the plot “unnecessary”.

Box office predictions suggest an underwhelming opening day potentially falling below the original’s performance. The clash with other 2025 releases and the lack of buzz could hinder its performance though Devgn’s loyal fanbase and the film’s masala appeal might ensure decent collections in single-screen theatres.

Strengths: What Works in Son of Sardaar 2

1. Ajay Devgn’s Star Power: Devgn’s effortless charisma and comic timing make him the film’s biggest asset. His ability to carry a masala entertainer is unmatched and fans will enjoy his larger-than-life presence.

2. Vibrant Visuals: The film’s settings in Scotland and Punjab combined with colourful wedding sequences create a visually appealing experience.

3. Supporting Cast: Ravi Kishan and Sanjay Mishra deliver memorable performances adding humour and energy to the film.

4. Nostalgia Factor: For fans of the original the recreated songs and familiar tone evoke fond memories making it a fun watch for those seeking light-hearted entertainment.

Weaknesses: Where Son of Sardaar 2 Falls Short

1. Outdated Comedy: The humour feels formulaic and recycled, relying on slapstick and exaggerated gags that don’t always resonate with modern audiences.

2. Weak Script: The plot is thin with subplots that feel disconnected and lack emotional depth. The writing fails to balance comedy, action and romance effectively.

3. Lack of Originality: The film leans heavily on the 2012 original without evolving the formula, making it feel like a rehash rather than a fresh sequel.

4. Underdeveloped Characters: Apart from Jassi most characters including Mrunal Thakur’s Rabiya lack depth reducing their impact on the story.

Comparison with Son of Sardaar (2012)

The original Son of Sardaar directed by Ashwni Dhir was a remake of the Telugu film Maryada Ramanna and earned praise for its humour, stylised action and ensemble cast despite a weak screenplay. It grossed ₹161.48 crore worldwide and was declared a superhit. Son of Sardaar 2 while retaining the masala tone shifts to a new setting and introduces fresh characters but fails to capture the same charm. The 2012 film benefited from Sanjay Dutt’s presence and a tighter narrative whereas the sequel feels bloated and lacks the witty punches of its predecessor. The absence of Sanjay Dutt who couldn’t join due to visa issues is felt as noted by some fans on X.

A Fun but Flawed Masala Entertainer

Son of Sardaar 2 is a mixed bag that delivers on nostalgia and visual flair but falls short in originality and execution. Ajay Devgn’s magnetic presence and the vibrant supporting cast keep it watchable but the outdated comedy and weak script prevent it from being a memorable sequel. It’s a film that works best as a guilty pleasure for fans of the original or those seeking undemanding entertainment. While it may find an audience in single-screen theatres it struggles to stand out in the competitive landscape of 2025 Bollywood releases.