Released on August 1, 2025, Dhadak 2 is a bold and unflinching romantic drama that tackles the harsh realities of caste-based discrimination in modern India. Directed by Shazia Iqbal and produced by Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Cloud 9 Pictures, this spiritual sequel to 2018’s Dhadak is a Hindi remake of the critically acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal (2018). Starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, the film dives deep into the complexities of forbidden love, societal prejudice, and personal resistance. Does it live up to its powerful source material? Here’s our in-depth Dhadak 2 movie review for www.masalamirror.com.

Plot: A Love Story Steeped in Caste Conflict

Set in the culturally rich cities of Bhopal and Sehore, Dhadak 2 follows Neelesh Ahirwar (Siddhant Chaturvedi), a Dalit law student from Bhim Nagar, who gains admission to the National University of Law through a reservation quota. His life intersects with Vidhisha “Vidhi” Bhardwaj (Triptii Dimri), a privileged Brahmin girl from a family of influential lawyers. Their chance encounter at a wedding sparks a tender friendship that blossoms into love amidst shared lectures and college debates. However, their romance faces brutal opposition from Vidhi’s conservative family, exposing the deep-seated caste prejudices that persist in modern society.

As Neelesh endures humiliation, violence, and systemic oppression, Vidhi grapples with her privilege and the harsh realities of casteism. The narrative, adapted by Shazia Iqbal and Rahul Badwelkar, weaves a poignant tale of love, identity, and resistance, culminating in a powerful climax that challenges societal norms. While staying true to Pariyerum Perumal’s core, the film tailors its setting to reflect North India’s social landscape, making it both relatable and hard-hitting.

Performances: Siddhant and Triptii Shine, Supported by a Strong Ensemble

Siddhant Chaturvedi delivers a career-defining performance as Neelesh, embodying the quiet rage, vulnerability, and resilience of a young man navigating systemic injustice. His portrayal is layered, from subtle moments of shame over his surname to heart-wrenching breakdowns, particularly in scenes of public humiliation. Chaturvedi’s expressive eyes and restrained body language make Neelesh’s pain palpable, earning him applause for what Triptii herself called his “milestone performance”.

Triptii Dimri, as Vidhi, brings emotional depth to a complex role. Her transformation from a naive, privileged girl to a fierce ally fighting alongside Neelesh feels authentic. While her screen time dips in the second half, Dimri shines in the climax, delivering a visceral scream that lingers long after the credits roll. However, some critics note her performance falls short in confrontational scenes compared to her standout roles in Bulbbul and Qala.

The supporting cast elevates the narrative. Saurabh Sachdeva is chilling as Shankar, a silent assassin enforcing caste hierarchies, commanding attention with minimal dialogue. Vipin Sharma, as Neelesh’s cross-dressing father, delivers a heartfelt performance, teaching his son resilience in a poignant scene. Zakir Hussain’s nuanced portrayal of the college principal, a lower-caste man balancing fairness and bias, adds depth. Saad Bilgrami, Priyank Tiwari, and Anubha Fatehpuria also leave a mark, contributing to the film’s emotional weight.

Direction and Screenplay: Bold but Flawed

Shazia Iqbal’s direction is fearless, capturing the ugly truths of casteism with honesty and empathy. She brings a radical Dalit consciousness to mainstream Bollywood, echoing the anti-caste wave of Tamil cinema led by filmmakers like Mari Selvaraj and Pa. Ranjith. The film opens with a powerful quote by Thomas Jefferson: “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty,” setting the tone for its unapologetic narrative. Iqbal’s decision to avoid sensationalism, coupled with trigger warnings, shows sensitivity to the subject matter.

However, the screenplay stumbles at times. The first half drags, spending too long establishing the romance, which dilutes the focus on caste issues. The second half, while gripping, indulges in overdramatized “Bollywoodised” moments, undermining the raw impact of Pariyerum Perumal. The film’s 146-minute runtime could have been trimmed by 20 minutes for tighter pacing. Additionally, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) mandated 16 cuts, including casteist slurs and violent scenes, which some argue softened the film’s edge.

Cinematography and Music: Subtle Yet Impactful

Cinematographer Avinash Arun masterfully captures Madhya Pradesh’s contrasts, from the cramped, chaotic lanes of Bhim Nagar to the pristine homes of the upper caste. His visual storytelling underscores the social and physical divides between Neelesh and Vidhi. Editor Nitin Baid maintains a tight narrative, though the second half could benefit from crisper cuts.

The soundtrack, composed by Aniruddha Ravichander, is soulful and understated. Tracks like “Duniya Alag” serve as a socio-political anthem, reflecting India’s class and caste divides, while “Preet Re” and “Bas Ek Dhadak” enhance the emotional beats. The background score amplifies moments of silence, longing, and conflict, complementing the story without overpowering it. However, the songs don’t leave a lasting impression compared to Dhadak’s iconic tracks.

What Works: Powerful Performances and Social Commentary

Dhadak 2 succeeds in its raw portrayal of caste discrimination, sparking uncomfortable but necessary conversations. Siddhant Chaturvedi’s vulnerable yet defiant Neelesh anchors the film, while Triptii Dimri’s evolving Vidhi adds feminist undertones, drawing parallels between caste and patriarchal struggles. The film’s bold scenes—like Neelesh being urinated on or his father’s public humiliation—evoke rage and empathy, making it a cinematic embodiment of resistance. The supporting cast, particularly Saurabh Sachdeva and Vipin Sharma, adds gravitas, while Iqbal’s direction ensures the narrative remains grounded in Dalit identity.

What Falls Short: Pacing and Diluted Intensity

Despite its strengths, Dhadak 2 doesn’t fully match Pariyerum Perumal’s raw power. The slow-paced first half and overdramatic second half dilute its impact. The focus on romance overshadows the caste commentary at times, and the CBFC-mandated cuts, including a 1-minute-51-second disclaimer, may have toned down its grit. Critics also point to the controversial use of brownface on Siddhant Chaturvedi to signify caste, which feels unnecessary and problematic. The climax, while emotionally charged, leans toward a conventional resolution, lacking the original’s nuanced ambiguity.

Box Office and Streaming: A Competitive Landscape

Released on August 1, 2025, Dhadak 2 faces stiff competition from Son of Sardaar 2, Saiyaara, and Mahavatar Narsimha. Early reports indicate modest advance bookings, with 18,000 tickets sold compared to Son of Sardaar 2’s 28,000 in major chains. The film’s sensitive subject may limit its mass appeal, but its critical acclaim could drive word-of-mouth. Dhadak 2 is expected to stream on an OTT platform like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video in October 2025, following an eight-week theatrical window. Fans can book tickets on BookMyShow or explore similar social dramas like Article 15 on streaming platforms.

Final Verdict: A Brave, Imperfect Step Forward

Dhadak 2 is a searing blend of romance and social realism that dares to confront casteism head-on. Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri deliver powerhouse performances, supported by a stellar ensemble and Shazia Iqbal’s bold direction. While it falls short of Pariyerum Perumal’s intensity due to pacing issues and CBFC cuts, it remains a vital conversation starter in mainstream Bollywood. It’s not just a love story—it’s a mirror reflecting uncomfortable truths about identity, privilege, and resistance. A must-watch for those who value cinema that challenges and transforms.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Book tickets for Dhadak 2 on BookMyShow and stay tuned to www.masalamirror.com for the latest Bollywood reviews, news, and updates!

SEO Keywords: Dhadak 2 movie review, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri, caste-based discrimination, forbidden love, Pariyerum Perumal remake, Shazia Iqbal, Dharma Productions, romantic drama 2025, Bollywood movies, BookMyShow tickets, Netflix OTT release, Hindi movie reviews.