10 September,2026 05:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Karthi in Sardaar 2 (Pictures via X)
Karthi's much-awaited spy thriller Sardar 2 has finally arrived in theatres, but the sequel appears to have received a mixed response from early viewers. Directed by PS Mithran, the film brings Karthi back in a dual role and expands the world introduced in the 2022 blockbuster Sardar. As fans took to X to share their first impressions, opinions ranged from praise for Karthi's performance and action sequences to criticism of the film's execution, lengthy runtime and second half.
The sequel had been carrying considerable expectations, given the popularity of its predecessor. Sardar 2 once again features Karthi in two roles, while S J Suryah, Malavika Mohanan and Ashika Ranganath are part of the cast. Rajisha Vijayan also reprises her role from the first instalment.
Several early viewers praised Karthi for handling his dual roles effectively. The action sequences and the interval block also emerged as some of the aspects that impressed audiences. A section of viewers described the film as an "above average" or "decent watch", suggesting that the sequel works for those looking for a commercial spy-action entertainer.
However, the film has also faced criticism, particularly for its second half. Some viewers felt that the sequel becomes over-the-top and struggles to maintain the impact of the first film. The runtime and lengthy action portions were also flagged as drawbacks, with some reactions describing parts of the film as unnecessarily stretched.
The criticism comes amid expectations that Sardar 2 would build on the strengths of its predecessor while taking the franchise forward. The 2022 film combined espionage with a social message and earned praise for its treatment of the spy genre. The sequel attempts to expand that universe on a larger scale, but early reactions suggest that the increased ambition has not worked equally well for everyone.
Director PS Mithran returns to helm the sequel, with the story and characters continuing from the original. The technical team includes cinematographer George C Williams and editor Vijay Velukutty, while Sam CS has composed the music and background score.
With Sardar 2 now playing in theatres, audience reactions are expected to evolve as more viewers watch the film. For now, the early X reviews point to a divided verdict: Karthi's performance and action sequences have found appreciation, while the film's writing, length and second-half execution remain points of contention.
