While the film was targeting a wide release across 3,500 screens, current estimates suggest it may have to settle for approximately 2,500—raising concerns over its opening day performance and long-term box office run.
Theatre Owners Push Back Against Screen Share Demands
Reports indicate that the Son of Sardaar 2 team has requested 60% of the total show slots in both multiplexes and single-screen theatres. However, theatre owners—particularly non-national cinema chains—have pushed back, unwilling to allocate more than 35% of their daily programming.
Some single-screen venues have reportedly offered only two shows per day, while multiplex chains such as PVRInox remain in tough negotiations with the film’s distributors. This screen allocation standoff has led to mounting pressure on the production team to either scale down their release plan or reach a last-minute breakthrough.
Box Office Competition Intensifies with Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha
Adding to the challenges is the continued dominance of two major releases—Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha—both of which are performing strongly at the box office. Theatres are hesitant to reduce their screen time for these films in favour of new entrants, especially one like Son of Sardaar 2 that seeks an aggressive nationwide rollout.
With packed houses and steady revenue from these titles, exhibitors are reluctant to take a financial risk by replacing them with a yet-to-be-proven sequel.
Dhadak 2 Takes a Smarter Release Path
While Son of Sardaar 2 pushes for maximum reach, its competitor Dhadak 2 has adopted a more cautious and calculated strategy. The romantic drama is opting for a limited release across 1,000 screens, primarily focusing on urban centres with higher footfall.
This restrained rollout is helping Dhadak 2 avoid direct conflicts over screen slots, allowing it to carve a niche audience without locking horns with bigger titles. Industry insiders are calling this move “tactically sound,” especially when larger films are competing for limited exhibitor attention.
Star Power vs Strategy: Will Ajay Devgn Pull Crowds?
Despite the distribution challenges, hopes remain high within the Son of Sardaar 2 camp. Ajay Devgn, known for his mass appeal and action-comedy credentials, could still draw substantial footfall if last-minute negotiations lead to more favourable screen allocations.
However, the film’s success now hinges less on promotions and more on theatre availability. With just days to go before release, the production team is racing against time to strike deals with multiplex chains and regional exhibitors.
Final Screen Allocation Decisions Due by July 31
Industry sources suggest that final decisions on theatre allocations will be made by July 31, just ahead of the film’s release. If Son of Sardaar 2 secures additional screens in the eleventh hour, it could still pose a strong challenge at the box office.
Nonetheless, the struggle highlights a larger trend in Indian cinema—where star power alone may no longer guarantee screen dominance in an era of fierce content-driven competition.
Conclusion: A Tough Road Ahead for Son of Sardaar 2
Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar 2 is gearing up for battle—not just on the silver screen, but behind the scenes in the complex world of theatrical distribution. With major hits like Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha already dominating, and Dhadak 2 strategically sidestepping the chaos, Devgn’s film faces an uphill climb to make a strong box office impact.
As the clock ticks down to August 1, all eyes are now on the final screen count—and whether Devgn’s charisma can overcome the odds in a high-stakes release week.
