When Ajay Devgn, the veteran‑actor‑director who turned 55 last April, announced that his much‑awaited sequel De De Pyaar De 2 will hit theaters on , fans across India and abroad perked up instantly.
Here’s the thing: the film isn’t just another rom‑com. It’s the follow‑up to the 2019 hit De De Pyaar De, and it promises a bigger dose of family chaos, age‑gap jokes, and, as Rakul Preet Singh puts it, “more entertaining than the first part.” The sequel drops on the Diwali weekend, a timing that could push box‑office numbers into the stratosphere.
How the project came together
Back on , Luv Ranjan, the writer‑producer best known for youthful love stories, officially unveiled the sequel during a press conference in Mumbai. The very next month, director Anshul Sharma was roped in to helm the film, bringing a fresh visual style that blends Delhi’s street buzz with London’s polished suburbs.
Production was split between two key locations. The crew kicked off principal photography on in the heart of Amritsar, Punjab, capturing the bustling market scenes that anchor the story’s Indian side. By late July, the cameras moved to London, England, where the opulent family mansion serves as the backdrop for the cross‑continental love showdown.
Who’s starring and why it matters
The cast reads like a who’s‑who of contemporary Bollywood. Rakul Preet Singh returns as Ayesha Khurana, a 26‑year‑old who’s trying to balance her career dreams with a romance that rattles her parents’ expectations. “I think the audience will love seeing Ayesha grown up, yet still fighting the same family pressure,” she told Bollywood Hungama on .
Opposite her, Devgn plays Ashish Mehra, a 52‑year‑old NRI investor living in London. The age gap—Ashish is almost as old as Ayesha’s dad—creates the core comedic tension. Speaking to the press, Devgn joked, “I’m not just older, I’m older‑ish. It’s a fine line.”
Adding more layers, R. Madhavan steps in as Rajji, Ayesha’s protective father, while newcomer Meezaan Jafri portrays the charismatic suitor her parents introduce to ‘fix’ the situation.
Behind the scenes: Money, music, and marketing
The budget is rumored to sit around ₹125 crore (about $15 million), making it one of the priciest romantic comedies in recent Bollywood history. T‑Series Films, headed by chairman Bhushan Kumar, is co‑producing alongside Luv Films. Both houses are banking on a massive Diwali‑season push that will see the movie on roughly 4,500 screens in India and 850 overseas venues, including premieres at London’s Odeon Leicester Square and New York’s AMC Empire 25.
Music will be a big draw. Six original tracks are slated, with “Tere Vaaste” already generating buzz after a teaser released on . The song’s credited composers—Payal Dev, Aditya Dev, and Yo Yo Honey Singh—promise a blend of traditional Punjabi beats and slick EDM influences.
- Release date: 14 Nov 2025 (Diwali weekend)
- Screen count: 4,500 India, 850 worldwide
- Estimated budget: ₹125 crore
- Key cast: Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, R. Madhavan, Meezaan Jafri
- Music launch: 25 Oct 2025
What critics and insiders are saying
Early trailers have sparked a mixed chatter. Some fans love the bold premise—“an older man courting a younger woman while the father’s age almost matches his,” one Twitter user quipped—while others worry the comedy might tip into discomfort. Film critic Anupama Chopra noted, “If the writers can keep the humor respectful, the film could become a cultural touchstone for discussing age and consent in Indian families.”
Production insiders are confident. Luv Films’ co‑founder Ankur Garg told Bollywood Hungama that post‑production wrapped on , with sound mixing completed a few weeks earlier. “We’ve got a glossy finish, crisp sound, and the chemistry feels undeniable,” he said.
Why the sequel matters for Bollywood
The original De De Pyaar De broke the conventional age‑gap narrative by pairing a 60‑year‑old Govinda with a 24‑year‑old Parineeti. This time, the stakes are higher because the older lead is played by a mainstream star rather than a comic veteran. The story could influence how future filmmakers approach senior‑lead romances—especially as India’s urban middle class ages and new family dynamics emerge.
Moreover, the film’s release strategy underscores the industry’s shift toward global distribution. By locking in prime screens in the UK and US, the producers are tapping into the sizeable diaspora market, something that only a handful of Bollywood comedies have attempted at this scale.
What’s next?
With the final cut already in the hands of distributors, the next big step is the promotional tour. Devgn is slated to appear on popular TV shows like Bigg Boss 15 and Comedy Nights Live in early November. Meanwhile, Singh will launch the soundtrack on a live concert streamed from Mumbai’s Hard Rock Café on .
And if you’re wondering whether the age‑gap humor will land, keep an eye on social media trends after the trailer drop—those reactions often predict opening‑day buzz better than any critic’s review.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does De De Pyaar De 2
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on , coinciding with the Diwali holiday weekend across India and in major overseas markets.
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on , coinciding with the Diwali holiday weekend across India and in major overseas markets.
Who are the main cast members?
Ajay Devgn stars as Ashish Mehra, Rakul Preet Singh plays Ayesha Khurana, R. Madhavan appears as Rajji, and newcomer Meezaan Jafri features as the suitor introduced by Ayesha’s parents.
Why is the age gap a central theme?
The story hinges on Ashish being nearly the same age as Ayesha’s father, creating comedic tension and prompting the family to intervene. This mirrors real‑life debates in Indian households about age‑appropriate relationships.
What is the estimated budget and how does it compare to other Bollywood rom‑coms?
Industry sources peg the budget at roughly ₹125 crore (≈ $15 million), which makes it one of the most expensive romantic comedies produced in India to date, surpassing the likes of Love Aaj Kal and Finding Faye in scale.
Will the film have an international release?
Yes. Apart from the 4,500 screens in India, the movie will open on about 850 screens worldwide, with special premieres in London’s Odeon Leicester Square and New York’s AMC Empire 25.