Title: Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Cast: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri, Saurabh Sachdeva, Zakir Hussain, Vipin Sharma and others

Where: In theatres near you 

Rating: HHH

Ria Sharma

 Following in the footsteps of Dhadak (2018), which was a Hindi adaptation of the Marathi blockbuster Sairat, Dhadak 2 takes inspiration from the critically acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal. Set in Bhopal, the film navigates the complexities of caste-based discrimination, societal prejudice, and a love story caught in the crossfire.

At the heart of Dhadak 2 is Nilesh (Siddhant Chaturvedi), an ambitious young man from a backward caste who dreams of becoming a district court lawyer. However, his aspirations are met with hostility from a rigid society that refuses to let him thrive. Scarred by the injustices around him, Nilesh often finds himself consumed by fear of rejection, humiliation, and even death. He suppresses his voice, unable to stand up to the deep-rooted casteism surrounding him.

Triptii, while competent and rebellious, doesn’t get enough material to fully showcase her acting depth. Although she shares good on-screen chemistry with Siddhant, her role feels underwritten compared to her previous standout performances.Saurabh Sachdeva emerges as a surprise package, playing the antagonist with chilling conviction. His expressions and restrained menace make him a character viewers will love to hate.

Shazia Iqbal’s direction brings sincerity to the narrative, particularly in the way she captures the social realities of casteism. However, the first half drags and takes time to establish its emotional core. While the second half is more gripping and includes hard-hitting moments, it also indulges in some overdramatic sequences that feel unnecessarily “Bollywoodised,” diluting the film’s raw impact.

The film touches upon important issues but doesn’t explore them as deeply as the subject demands. The commentary on caste discrimination, though present, lacks the intensity and nuance that Pariyerum Perumal was known for. Still, the film succeeds in starting a conversation and delivering a social message.

Dhadak 2’s music

The music of Dhadak 2 is soulful, and the background score complements the story’s emotional beats effectively. However, the songs don’t quite leave a lasting impression like the ones in its predecessor.

FPJ Verdict

Dhadak 2 is a sincere attempt to blend a love story with a strong social message. Siddhant shines with one of his most emotionally charged performances yet, while Triptii and Saurabh lend support. However, a slow-paced first half, lack of depth in exploring caste issues, and over dramatised moments in the second half prevent it from being truly memorable. It’s a one-time watch that offers emotional moments and social relevance, but falls short of leaving a lasting impact.