Dhadak 2: A Bold Sequel with a Deeper Purpose

A Bold Sequel – Released on August 1, 2025, Dhadak 2 arrives as a spiritual successor to the 2018 romantic drama Dhadak, but this time with a sharper lens on caste discrimination, identity, and systemic injustice. Directed by Shazia Iqbal, the film is a Hindi adaptation of Mari Selvaraj’s Tamil masterpiece, Pariyerum Perumal, and stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri in lead roles.

Set in a fictional law college in Madhya Pradesh, the story follows Neelesh, a Dalit student navigating the hostile terrain of caste-based prejudice, and Vidhi, an upper-caste classmate who falls in love with him. Their relationship becomes a battleground for societal norms, family honor, and personal courage.

Unlike its predecessor, which was criticized for glossing over caste realities, Dhadak 2 dives headfirst into uncomfortable truths. From humiliating classroom encounters to violent threats from Vidhi’s family, the film doesn’t flinch. It opens with a grim honour killing and maintains a tone of urgency throughout, reminding viewers that caste oppression isn’t a relic, it’s a living, breathing force.

Performances That Anchor the Narrative

Siddhant Chaturvedi delivers a standout performance as Neelesh, portraying a young man torn between ambition and survival. His vulnerability is palpable, whether he’s struggling with English in a law lecture or facing casteist slurs from classmates. Chaturvedi’s transformation from a hesitant student to a defiant voice against injustice is both believable and moving.

Triptii Dimri, as Vidhi, brings nuance to a character caught between love and loyalty. Her portrayal of a woman slowly awakening to her own privilege and complicity is subtle yet powerful. While her chemistry with Chaturvedi isn’t always electric, it’s grounded in realism, two people trying to connect across a chasm of social inequality.

Supporting actors like Zakir Hussain (as the college dean) and Saurabh Sachdeva (as a chilling antagonist) add depth to the narrative. Hussain’s character, himself from a lower caste, offers a glimpse into the long arc of resistance and resilience. Sachdeva, meanwhile, embodies the violent gatekeeping of caste boundaries with terrifying conviction.

A Bold Sequel Story That Speaks, But Sometimes Stumbles

The film’s screenplay, co-written by Shazia Iqbal and Rahul Badwelkar, is ambitious. It tackles casteism, student politics, gender rights, and even psychological trauma. But this breadth sometimes works against it. The first half leans heavily on the romantic arc, which feels underdeveloped and occasionally forced. The pacing drags, and the emotional stakes take time to build.

It’s in the second half that Dhadak 2 finds its voice. The romance fades into the background, and the focus shifts to Neelesh’s fight for dignity. Scenes of caste violence, institutional bias, and personal reckoning are handled with honesty and restraint. The film earns its applause in these moments, especially when Neelesh confronts his oppressors not with rage, but with resolve.

However, the climax feels rushed. The resolution, while hopeful, lacks the emotional payoff the story deserves. The preachiness in the final scenes dilutes the impact, and the editing could have trimmed at least 20 minutes to tighten the narrative.

Music, Message, and the Verdict

Musically, Dhadak 2 doesn’t match the soul-stirring soundtrack of the original. Composers Rochak Kohli, Tanishk Bagchi, Javed Mohsin, and Shreyas Puranik deliver a few memorable tracks especially “Bas Ek Dhadak” and “Duniya Alag” but the songs serve more as background than emotional anchors.

Visually, the film is grounded and gritty. The cinematography captures the contrast between Neelesh’s modest home in Bhim Nagar and the elite corridors of the law college. The use of real locations, like Bhopal’s Upper Lake and Shivaji Nagar, adds authenticity.

Ultimately, Dhadak 2 is a brave film that dares to speak truth to power. It doesn’t romanticize caste, it interrogates it. While it may falter in execution, its intent is clear and commendable. In a cinematic landscape often afraid to confront uncomfortable realities, Dhadak 2 stands out as a necessary watch.

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