Bollywood witnessed two major releases this Friday, as Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tripti Dimri’s Dhadak 2 hit the theatres alongside Ajay Devgn’s action-packed sequel Son of Sardar 2. As both films opened to eager audiences, trade analysts were closely monitoring the early box office collection on day one.

Dhadak 2, the official sequel to the 2018 romantic drama Dhadak, comes with high expectations. The original featured Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, and was itself a remake of the Marathi hit Sairat. Directed by Shazia Iqbal, the new installment introduces a fresh pairing and a reimagined storyline. With Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tripti Dimri in lead roles, the film is attempting to carve its own identity in the romantic drama genre.

The chemistry between the leads has drawn early attention. Social media reactions suggest audiences are appreciating the onscreen equation between Siddhant and Tripti. Advance bookings for Dhadak 2 had shown moderate trends, especially in urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune.

Dhadak 2 Opens Alongside Son of Sardar 2

Son of Sardar 2, starring Ajay Devgn, also released on the same day. The film is a follow-up to the 2012 action-comedy Son of Sardaar, and offers high-octane drama, action, and family entertainment. Directed by Anil Sharma, it appeals to mass audiences and opened across more screens than Dhadak 2.

Ajay Devgn’s fan base remains strong in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and early shows saw significant footfall in northern India. Given its wider release and mass appeal, Son of Sardar 2 was expected to dominate opening day figures.

Alongside these two films, Ahaan Pandey’s recently released romantic drama Saiyara has continued its second week with steady collections. Despite being a smaller film, it has found a loyal audience base, especially among younger viewers.

Meanwhile, the countdown has already begun for War 2, slated for release in less than two weeks. Starring Hrithik Roshan, Kiara Advani, and Jr NTR, the film is directed by Ayan Mukerji and is expected to make a massive impact on the box office. The buzz surrounding War 2 could affect the performance of currently running films, especially in the second week.

Dhadak 2 Day 1 Collection Report

As per early estimates shared by trade tracking platform Sacnilk, Dhadak 2 earned ₹3.35 crore on day one. These numbers are not yet final, and official data will confirm the exact figure. However, initial response suggests that the film had a soft opening compared to expectations.

Morning shows started slowly but picked up momentum by evening. The multiplex audience, especially in metropolitan areas, showed more interest than single-screen viewers. The film’s emotional content and music seem to have clicked with a section of the audience, though reviews remain mixed.

In comparison, Son of Sardar 2 earned ₹6.75 crore on its opening day. Ajay Devgn’s film benefited from aggressive marketing, action-oriented trailers, and festive weekend timing in some regions. The film’s single-screen performance was notably stronger, which contributed to its higher numbers.

Early Audience Reactions and Social Media Buzz

Online platforms saw a mixed but trending response to Dhadak 2. Many praised Tripti Dimri’s emotional depth and Siddhant’s subtle performance. A few critics highlighted the film’s attempts to avoid melodrama and deliver a more grounded narrative compared to its predecessor.

The film’s soundtrack, especially the title track and one romantic ballad, has gained popularity on streaming platforms. However, some social media users commented on the pacing of the story and its emotional intensity, which may not appeal to mass audiences.

In contrast, Son of Sardar 2 delivered exactly what its fan base expected—larger-than-life characters, action sequences, and family sentiments. Viewers familiar with the first installment seemed more engaged with the sequel’s tone and storyline.

Industry Expectations for the Weekend

Industry insiders believe Dhadak 2 can see growth over the weekend if word-of-mouth strengthens. Saturday and Sunday will be critical for the film’s lifetime performance. If urban audiences continue to support the film, it may find a stable position, especially in high-end multiplex chains.

Meanwhile, Son of Sardar 2 is poised to cross ₹20 crore by the weekend, assuming similar footfall continues. The film’s wide release and fan-driven support are strong advantages, especially with no immediate competition from major releases this week.

The performance of Saiyara is expected to decline gradually with the entry of two new titles. However, its second-weekend retention rate will be an indicator of long-term performance.

Box Office Clash Creates Healthy Competition

The box office clash between Dhadak 2 and Son of Sardar 2 has created a competitive atmosphere. Both films target different demographics. Dhadak 2 focuses on urban romance and youthful emotions, while Son of Sardar 2 delivers traditional masala entertainment.

This contrast offers variety to audiences, but also splits the box office share, particularly in cities where both films are running in parallel. Trade analysts have noted that such dual releases require strong individual pull, as mixed reviews can quickly hurt collections.

Final Outlook for Dhadak 2

Dhadak 2 has made a modest start, and its real test will come in the next few days. With a collection of ₹3.35 crore on day one, the film still has room to grow. Success will depend on how viewers respond to its story, performances, and emotional depth.

Siddhant Chaturvedi, known for his roles in films like Gully Boy and Gehraiyaan, steps into a romantic lead role with Dhadak 2. His pairing with Tripti Dimri, who earned acclaim for her role in Qala, has generated curiosity.

If the film maintains traction through positive audience feedback, it may hold ground through the week despite competition.

The coming weeks are packed with potential game-changers. War 2, with its star power and action franchise background, is expected to dominate screens across India. It will be a challenge for ongoing films to retain their slots once the big-budget production arrives.

For now, the first weekend collections will be decisive. Both Dhadak 2 and Son of Sardar 2 need sustained viewership to achieve long-term success. Word-of-mouth, online reviews, and regional preferences will shape the final outcome.