De De Pyaar De 2 is gearing up for release this week, but industry chatter suggests the sequel is arriving amid noticeably muted anticipation.
Despite the goodwill earned by the 2019-hit, the film’s promotional campaign has failed to generate the kind of momentum typically associated with a franchise film led by Ajay Devgn.
The trailers and promotional clips, released over the past month, have been met with a lukewarm response. Viewers and trade trackers note that the material appears tired and predictable, lacking the fresh tonal hook or sharper situational humour that a sequel usually depends on to stand out. Instead of escalating the original’s premise or offering a surprising narrative beat, the marketing seems to recycle familiar emotional and comedic cues. The result is a sense of fatigue rather than excitement.
Trade analyst Girish Wankhede said, “Devgn’s presence, which once helped anchor the franchise, appears unexpectedly subdued in the current promotional edit. His comic timing and physicality, key strengths in the first film, come across as mechanically executed rather than effortless. Analysts also point out that the supporting cast, which could have added buoyancy to the material, has not been showcased in a way that builds curiosity or charm.”
Music and dance sequences, typically a major driver for Hindi-film promotions, are also underwhelming. The released tracks lack a standout melody or choreography hook moment capable of breaking out on social media. Instead, the songs rely heavily on loud production and glossy, exaggerated visual effects. The overuse of flashy VFX, particularly in dance sequences, has drawn criticism for making the film look gaudy rather than grounded, weakening its mainstream appeal.
Wankhede believes that the sequel’s decision to largely repeat the prequel’s tropes without meaningful progression could limit its impact at the box office. Early tracking indicates modest commercial prospects, with opening-day collections expected in the ₹7–8 crore range ‒ a figure that reflects the subdued public response so far and the likelihood of a tepid initial footfall.
While the franchise name and Devgn’s presence may help the film secure a respectable start in urban centres, industry observers say positive word-of-mouth will be crucial for the film to build momentum over the weekend. Unless early viewers overturn the current sentiment, De De Pyaar De 2 may face an uphill climb in sustaining audience interest beyond its opening frame.
