Dhadak 2 Movie Review: A Courageous Attempt That Struggles To Match Its Powerful Source

Dhadak 2, released on August 1, 2025, is a Bollywood romantic drama directed by Shazia Iqbal and starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri. The film serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2018 hit Dhadak and is an official remake of the acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal (2018), focusing on caste-based discrimination through a poignant love story.

Critics have praised the film's thematic boldness for placing caste issues at the forefront—a subject that remains pressing in India. Anupama Chopra of The Hollywood Reporter India lauds the film's intentions and the performances, especially Triptii Dimri’s portrayal of Vidhi, who is characterized as a strong-willed woman challenging caste bigotry within her privileged family. Siddhant Chaturvedi also receives recognition for convincingly conveying Neelesh’s painful journey, despite artificial tanning that some found distracting.

However, reviewers note that the film struggles to capture the raw authenticity and searing intensity of its source material. Moneycontrol’s review describes Dhadak 2 as a film that "wants to burn slow and deep, but too often it flickers," highlighting an uneven narrative balance between social commentary and romance. The script’s deviations from the original, including changes to setting and character arcs, somewhat dilute the impact.

Audience reactions on social media present a mixed picture. While many appreciate the strong performances and sensitive treatment of caste injustice, some viewers criticize the film as predictable and formulaic, with one commenting it is "old wine in a new bottle." The film's soundtrack, which in the original Dhadak was highly praised, is seen as lacking soul in this sequel. Others have expressed fatigue towards remakes, having recently watched Pariyerum Perumal, calling Dhadak 2 "another ruined remake."

The film encountered obstacles prior to release, including a lengthy censor board review that led to 16 cuts and a nearly two-minute disclaimer, underlining the contentiousness of its subject matter.

Supporting cast members include Saurabh Sachdeva, Zakir Hussain, and Deeksha Joshi, who contribute to the film’s portrayal of complex caste dynamics within a North Indian town setting.

In summary, Dhadak 2 is a courageous film that shines a necessary spotlight on caste discrimination and inter-caste love in India. While it earns commendation for its performances and ambition, it falls short of the emotional and narrative potency of the original Tamil film, resulting in a portrayal that feels more restrained and somewhat generic according to both critics and audiences.