SON OF SARDAAR 2 :A RETURN TO DESI IDENTITY IN CIENMA OR A TIRED LEGACY

 

Son of Sardaar 2: A return to Desi identity in cinema or a tired legacy?

Cinema has always oscillated between two poles—entertainment and identity.

While some films are made to make you laugh or cry, others present themselves as a larger idea or a cultural icon.

Just a few hours left for the madness to begin! Son of Sardar 2 is releasing tomorrow and it’s going to be non-stop fun.#SOS2inCinemasTomorrowpic.twitter.com/KDnsDtw7Hf

— Resmika (@Resmika59) July 31, 2025

‘Son of Sardaar 2’ is the product of this dilemma.

‘Son of Sardaar,’ which was released in 2012, was simply a comic entertainer—lots of punches, high-voltage action, and a Desi tadka. But when its sequel arrives in 2025, the question arises —

Is it enough to just repeat the old legacy, or do today’s audiences demand something new too?

🌀 Philosophy within the film:

‘Son of Sardaar 2’ is the story of a sardar protecting the family land and honor. But that’s not all—the film also revisits the notions around a Punjabi man’s social identity, cultural values, and ‘manliness.’

Jolly (Ajay Devgn) isn’t just an action hero here—he represents the Desi ideal, who jokes, kicks ass, and makes the final decision for the family.

🔍 A nexus of masculinity and culture:

Sikh characters in Hindi cinema have often been portrayed as symbols of humor and bravery. ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ carries forward this tradition but doesn’t update it.

There are many scenes where Jolly’s Punjabiness is limited to a loud voice and fiery dialogues.

The question here is, do we still associate “cultural representation” with superficial traits?

Or is showing ‘desi’ still limited to a turban on the head and a thick moustache?

🧩 Dangerous combination of humor and violence:

The film oscillates between humor and violence. One moment the audience is laughing; the next moment they are being shot at.

This contradiction can confuse the audience—especially when the script refrains from saying anything new socially.

This blend of art and comedy makes the film light but does not make it lasting.

📉 Cinematic structure and limitations:

The film has no major technical flaws—the camera is good, the background score is decent, and the editing is sharp.

But the main problem lies in the story. The script seems stuck in the 2010s—where the desi hero, bad government, and action-drama formula attracted the audience.

The audience of 2025 is now more aware. They connect with stories, not just faces. And this is where ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ falls short despite making a sweet attempt.

🧠 Conclusion from the perspective of theory:

If we look at ‘Son of Sardaar 2’ not just as a film but as a cultural artifact of Indian mainstream cinema, it tells us how ideas like “family, land, masculinity, and desipan” are still being repeated in our films—just with different camera angles.

This film is a nostalgia-driven attempt, which entertains but fails to bring novelty in ideas.

✅ Last lines:

‘Son of Sardaar 2’ is an attempt for a star like Ajay Devgan to return to his roots.

But whether this attempt creates a new path or stops after walking on the old map—

This decision should now be left to the discretion of the audience.