Sequels in Bollywood have become a staple, with franchises returning whether the audience demands them or not. Son of Sardaar 2 is the latest to join this trend. A film that no one particularly asked for, yet it arrives like a boisterous relative—loud, enthusiastic, and somewhat endearing. Ajay Devgn reprises his role as Jassi Randhawa, navigating family feuds, mistaken identities, and Punjabi melodrama, this time not in the fields of Punjab but amidst the picturesque backdrop of Scotland.
While not a cinematic marvel, Son of Sardaar 2 leans into its absurdity with glee. It doesn’t aim to be groundbreaking—instead, it offers a serving of brain-light fun, the kind you’d expect in a Sunday afternoon rerun.
🎬 Plot Overview: Familiar Faces, Familiar Chaos
Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora and written by Jagdeep Singh Sidhu and Mohit Jain, the sequel is a spiritual continuation of the 2012 comedy, but you don’t need to remember anything from the original. Jassi (Ajay Devgn), the well-meaning but bumbling Sikh, is now in Scotland, embroiled in an inter-community crossfire between Indian and Pakistani diaspora families. He falls in love with Rabia (played by Mrunal Thakur), a Pakistani woman with a stern father and an even sterner social circle.
Their budding romance unfolds amid misunderstandings, misplaced identities, and cultural caricatures. While trying to win her over, Jassi ends up impersonating a soldier, inciting a series of events involving both families and community pride.
😂 Comedy Quotient: Slapstick Over Substance
The film clearly attempts to be a laugh riot, though the results vary. Some scenes do land—thanks to Deepak Dobriyal’s quirky performance as Gul, and Ravi Kishan’s exaggerated portrayal of a disapproving father. The jokes are mostly visual or situational, with a heavy reliance on loud sound effects, miscommunication, and cultural stereotypes.
There’s a standout parody scene involving Jassi imitating iconic Bollywood army characters that will likely spark laughter, especially among fans of the original Border film. This sequence is both nostalgic and ridiculous, which oddly makes it one of the most entertaining moments of the film.
Yet, the comedy often feels uneven. Some gags go on too long, others fall flat entirely. The film uses the same formulaic humor seen in many Punjabi-flavored Bollywood comedies—chubby sidekicks, over-the-top villains, misheard dialogues, and wedding chaos.
🎭 Performances: Devgn Holds Court, Dobriyal Steals It
Ajay Devgn returns to the familiar role with his trademark stoicism-meets-slapstick style. He plays Jassi with deadpan charm, nailing the straight-faced comic timing but doing little to elevate the character. He coasts through the film with minimal emotional range, but for fans of his style, that’s part of the appeal.
Mrunal Thakur brings freshness to the screen, even though the script doesn’t give her much to work with. As Rabia, she portrays warmth and sincerity, especially during the emotional beats of the film. Her comic timing is competent but restrained by predictable writing.
Deepak Dobriyal is the surprise star. Playing Gul, a flamboyant trans character, Dobriyal balances eccentricity with empathy. His performance is both comic and heartfelt, adding layers to what could have been just a one-note character.
Ravi Kishan, with his booming voice and rural swagger, is hilarious as the father struggling to uphold tradition while confronting the madness around him. His expressions, timing, and frustration feel genuine and contribute significantly to the film’s entertainment.
🧠 Writing & Direction: A Mishmash of Ideas
The direction by Vijay Kumar Arora feels more like assembling a puzzle than creating a coherent story. The film jumps from one scene to the next with little transition or logic. Characters vanish mid-arc, plot threads are introduced and then dropped, and some jokes are so dated they feel like they were written a decade ago.
Still, there’s an undeniable energy to the whole thing. Whether it’s choreographed wedding scenes, Scotland landscapes, or overcooked cultural clashes, the film doesn’t slow down long enough for you to question it.
The story tries to bridge themes of Indo-Pak relationships, diaspora dilemmas, and family expectations, but only scratches the surface. These themes are mostly used as punchlines rather than emotional threads.
🎵 Music & Visuals: Loud, Colorful, and Forgettable
The soundtrack is a mix of bhangra beats, romantic ballads, and generic background music that you’ll forget as soon as the credits roll. The dance numbers are energetic but formulaic. There’s a lavish wedding song, an emotional reunion song, and a chaotic group dance in the climax—all ticking the Bollywood checklist.
Visually, Scotland is shown in postcard aesthetics. Cinematographer Manish Choudhary captures castles, lochs, and green hills with flair, but it’s often overshadowed by the visual clutter of costumes, characters, and slapstick.
🎞️ Pacing & Editing: Bloated But Bearable
At just over 140 minutes, the film feels a tad long. The first half moves at a decent clip with setup, introductions, and comic scenarios. The second half, however, sags under emotional melodrama, repetitive gags, and plot contrivances.
Some scenes drag far longer than necessary, and a tighter edit could have made a significant difference. The climax, in particular, feels overstuffed with dance, drama, and diplomacy—all at once.
💬 Audience Reactions & Box Office Buzz
Initial reactions suggest a divided audience. Younger viewers and families looking for lighthearted fun seem more forgiving of the flaws. Older viewers and critics, however, are pointing out the film’s reliance on cliché and lack of originality.
While it may struggle against stronger releases at the box office, it might find its niche in smaller towns or digital platforms. The film’s nostalgia value, Ajay Devgn’s presence, and its desi flavor could help it sustain modest interest, especially among audiences who enjoy unpretentious comedy.
✅ Verdict: Should You Watch It?
Son of Sardaar 2 is not a film that will surprise or challenge you. It’s a harmless, colorful, slightly chaotic film that tries to make you laugh more often than it succeeds. It caters to a specific taste—one that enjoys over-the-top comedy, loud characters, and family-driven plots with a Punjabi twist.
If you’re looking for intellectual humor or meaningful storytelling, this isn’t for you. But if you’re in the mood for something silly, with a few chuckles and a whole lot of noise, this film might just work as a background watch with your family.
