Mrunal Thakur Defends Delay of Son of Sardaar 2: ‘If a Film Is Doing Well, We Want It to Breathe’

Bollywood actress Mrunal Thakur has finally spoken up about the much-discussed delay in the release of Son of Sardaar 2, starring Ajay Devgn. Originally scheduled for an earlier date, the film’s release was pushed back — officially to “give breathing space” to other movies. But in a cut-throat industry where every weekend is a battleground, many are questioning if the move signals a lack of confidence in the project.

According to Thakur, the decision was not about fear but about strategy. She explained that when a film is performing well at the box office, it deserves the space to grow without immediately being overshadowed by another big release. In her words, “If a film is doing well, we want it to breathe. There’s no point in suffocating it by stacking releases.”

While the statement seems logical on the surface, critics are reading between the lines. Was this delay really an act of industry goodwill — or a clever way to avoid direct competition from other anticipated titles like Saiyaara? After all, Bollywood is notorious for strategic release shuffling, especially when major stars are involved. Some trade analysts believe the move could be a calculated attempt to dodge a potential box office clash that Son of Sardaar 2 might not win.

The Ajay Devgn-starrer is the sequel to the 2012 film Son of Sardaar, which received mixed reviews but did solid business. Over the years, Devgn’s star power has faced tough competition from younger, fresher names in the industry. Pairing him with Mrunal Thakur is an attempt to give the sequel a modern touch, but whether that will be enough to draw crowds in 2025 remains to be seen.

Fans are divided over the delay. Supporters say it’s a smart business move that will help both films perform better without cannibalizing each other’s audience. Detractors, however, call it a sign of insecurity, suggesting that if a film is truly strong, it should be able to hold its own regardless of what else is in theatres.

The timing of the announcement has also raised eyebrows. With Saiyaara generating major buzz thanks to its star-studded cast and strong marketing push, shifting Son of Sardaar 2 might be an indirect acknowledgment that the Devgn-Thakur pairing needs more time to build hype. Some insiders even speculate that the delay gives the production team a chance to tweak certain elements — possibly even reshoot scenes — to ensure the film has maximum impact.

In an industry where egos are as big as budgets, no one likes to admit they’re playing it safe. But the truth is, Bollywood has seen too many high-profile flops in recent years to ignore release date strategy. Whether Son of Sardaar 2 ultimately benefits from this decision or ends up being forgotten in the shuffle will only be clear when it finally hits theatres.

One thing is certain — in Bollywood’s game of release-date chess, every move is about survival, not charity. And right now, Son of Sardaar 2 is playing a cautious game.