November 17, 2025 : De De Pyaar De 2,” starring Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh, released with high expectations due to the massive success of its 2019 predecessor. However, despite strong buzz, the film has struggled to replicate the opening momentum of the original, falling short of the first weekend benchmark set six years ago.
The 2019 “De De Pyaar De,” which also starred Tabu, was celebrated for its fresh storyline, witty dialogue, and balanced emotional drama. It set the bar high with a solid opening weekend and later emerged as a box office hit. Naturally, fans and the trade industry expected the sequel to continue the legacy, especially with a loyal audience base and Ajay Devgn’s consistent box-office pull.
But early numbers indicate that “De De Pyaar De 2” has not managed to recreate the same magic. The weekend collections, although respectable, lag behind the original film’s performance—raising concerns about the film’s hold and long-term run.
Reasons Behind the Underperformance
1. Lack of novelty compared to the first part
The charm of the franchise revolved around its unique storyline: a middle-aged man navigating a complicated relationship with a much younger woman, while dealing with his ex-wife. The freshness of the concept played a major role in the first film’s appeal.
The sequel, however, has been criticized for relying heavily on similar emotional beats, limiting surprise value for the audience. Viewers claim certain scenes feel repetitive rather than inventive.
2. Mixed reviews and audience word-of-mouth
While the performances have been appreciated—especially Ajay Devgn’s mature portrayal and Rakul Preet Singh’s screen presence—the writing and pacing have received lukewarm feedback. Critics point out that the narrative lacks the sharp humour and fluidity of Part 1.
Word-of-mouth, currently mixed, has slowed footfalls after day one.
3. Strong competition at the box office
The film opened amid multiple releases in action, comedy, and thriller genres. With audiences now having diverse OTT and theatrical choices, competition remains tight. Several regional releases have also diverted significant crowds, especially in key circuits.
4. Changing audience preferences
Post-pandemic, the audience expectations from Bollywood have drastically evolved. Viewers now seek deeper narratives, high-concept storytelling, or mass entertainers with spectacle value. Mid-range rom-com dramas like “De De Pyaar De 2” often struggle to draw large crowds unless they offer exceptional writing.
What Worked in Favour of the Film?
1. Ajay Devgn’s star power
Despite the slow start, the film has seen decent traction in premium multiplexes. Ajay Devgn’s established fan base has contributed significantly to opening day collections.
2. Chemistry between Ajay and Rakul
The lead pair’s comfortable screen dynamic and playful energy have been appreciated, with several moments receiving applause in theatres.
3. Music and emotional connect
The soundtrack has performed well on streaming platforms, and family audiences have liked the emotional threads, an element that helped the first film too.
What Lies Ahead for the Film?
The fate of “De De Pyaar De 2” now depends largely on weekday performance. If the film manages to hold steady and witness only minimal drops, it could maintain a respectable lifetime total.
However, if collections slip significantly, the film might struggle to make a lasting mark. Strong competition over the coming weeks—including festive releases—could further impact its stability.
Trade analysts believe that while the sequel may not replicate the success of the 2019 film, it might still emerge as an average performer if it manages steady family footfall.
Industry Reactions
Film exhibitors have expressed mild disappointment, citing high pre-release expectations. Some believe the franchise should explore bolder and more contemporary storytelling elements if a third installment is planned.
Fans on social media remain divided—while many praise Ajay Devgn for his effortless performance, others feel the script lacks freshness.
Conclusion
“De De Pyaar De 2” entered cinemas with the weight of its predecessor’s success. While it has not crossed the first weekend record of the original, it still has scope for recovery depending on audience reception over the coming days. The film’s journey will largely depend on its weekday steadiness and how well it connects with family viewers.
Summary
“De De Pyaar De 2” opens below expectations, failing to surpass the first weekend numbers of the 2019 hit. Mixed reviews, tough competition, and limited novelty contribute to its slow box office start.