Dhadak 2: A Realistic and Poignant Love Story from Dharma
Dhadak 2 is the spiritual sequel to the 2018 film Dhadak, which itself was a remake of the Marathi film Sairat. Similarly, Dhadak 2 is adapted from the critically acclaimed 2018 Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal.
Although I have not watched the original Tamil version, the subject matter of Dhadak 2—caste discrimination—remains a disturbingly prevalent issue in contemporary India. The film narrates the story of Neelesh, a Dalit man portrayed by Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Vidhi, an upper-caste Brahmin woman played by Tripti Dimri. The plot explores how these two characters fall in love, and the bond they form, and the harsh consequences they face because of the deeply ingrained caste system.
While the movie is marketed as a love story, it is, in essence, a hard-hitting social commentary on caste-based discrimination. Written by Rahul Badwelkar and Shazia Iqbal—who also makes her directorial debut—the film does not attempt to sugar-coat the harsh realities faced by Dalits in 21st-century India. From the very beginning, the narrative addresses caste violence and systemic oppression with unflinching honesty. Several scenes depicting atrocities committed against Dalits are deeply disturbing and provoke strong emotional reactions, reminding viewers of the grim social realities we often choose to ignore.
Some scenes, such as the “dog scene” and the intense pre-interval sequence, leave a lasting impact. However, the film’s potential is somewhat diminished by the 16 cuts imposed by the Censor Board, which dilute the intensity of certain key moments and hinder the full expression of the filmmaker’s vision. The screenplay also suffers from inconsistency at times, especially due to the inclusion of songs that disrupt the narrative flow and slow down the pacing. Nevertheless, Rahul and Shazia manage to craft a screenplay that is impactful and thought-provoking. The climax, however, could have been more powerful and resonant.
The performances across the board are the film’s greatest strength. Siddhant Chaturvedi delivers what is arguably his best performance since Gully Boy, portraying Neelesh with remarkable nuance—from his body language and emotional restraint to his outbursts of rage in the latter half of the film. Tripti Dimri impresses once again, as she did in Laila Majnu, Bulbbul, and Qala. Her portrayal of Vidhi is sincere and layered, especially in the emotionally charged confrontation scenes.
Saurabh Sachdeva excels as Shankar, the enigmatic assassin, maintaining a constant sense of tension whenever he appears on screen. Zakir Hussain offers a strong performance as Principal Haider Ansari. Aditya Thakare is another standout as Vasu, the Dalit leader, bringing strength and conviction to his role, which serves as a catalyst for Neelesh’s transformation. Supporting actors including Vipin Sharma (as Neelesh’s father), Anubha Fatehpura (Neelesh’s mother), Saad Bilgrami (Ronnie, Vidhi’s cousin), Harish Khanna (Vidhi’s father), and Manjari Pupala (Richa) all deliver commendable performances that enhance the overall narrative.
The cinematography by Sylvester Fonseca is grounded and naturalistic, complementing the film’s realistic tone and raw subject matter. In contrast to traditional Bollywood romances where music plays a pivotal role, Dhadak 2 falls short in its musical department. Despite featuring well-known composers, the soundtrack fails to enhance the emotional resonance of the film and often feels like a distraction.
As a first-time feature film director, Shazia Iqbal demonstrates immense potential. She approaches the subject matter with courage and authenticity, unafraid to portray the brutal truths of caste oppression. Her attention to detail and commitment to realism lend the film a rare authenticity that sets it apart from typical Dharma productions. She successfully extracts powerful performances from her cast, which elevates the film considerably. She is undoubtedly a filmmaker to watch in the future.
Dhadak 2 is not your conventional Dharma-style romantic drama. Rather, it is a bold and unflinching portrayal of societal injustice. While it tells a love story, its true focus lies in exposing and confronting caste discrimination. Siddhant Chaturvedi owns the film with a compelling and heartfelt performance. Be forewarned—this film is not an easy watch. However, it is precisely the kind of
cinema that needs to be made in order to awaken societal consciousness and provoke meaningful conversations.