Dhadak 2 Review: Triptii Dimri-Siddhant Chaturvedi's love story tackles casteism with sensitivity but lacks punch in its commentary

Dhadak 2 Story: Dhadak 2, is the spiritual sequel to Dhadak and the remake of Tamil film, Pariyerum Perumal. Starring Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi in the lead roles, the film follows the story of a law student from a lower caste, and Vidhi, an upper-caste girl, who fall in love despite societal and family opposition. The film explores themes of caste discrimination, injustice, and the challenges faced by inter-caste couples. 

Dhadak 2 Review:

You can safely say that the Bollywood industry is back with its hard-hitting romantic stories. Although not like previous superhits, at least they are trying. Amid strong Saiyaara fever, Dhadak 2 somehow manages to capture your heart. First, it deals with a sensitive topic of casteism and second a love story amid the casteism. 

From the time of B.R. Ambedkar, casteism has been the topic of discussion and it's still hasn't faded away. Several movies have been made out of it and Dhadak 2 is one of them. In the film, Neelesh Ahirwar (Siddhant Chaturvedi), who belongs to lower caste, gets admission in a law college to study law because he wants to take revenge on those people who has done wrong to his family, even his dog, Birju. On the other hand, Vidhi (Triptii Dimri) also studies at the same college along with Neelesh, but she belongs to a Brahmin family. Naturally, the world of them is different in society. However, they fall in love despite societal differences. Neelesh faces violence from every corner of the upper section of the society including Vidhi's family. 

Dhadak 2, which is the remake of the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal (2018), shows how Neeles distances himself from Vidhi but the latter doesn't! Right from the beginning, the chemistry between Neelesh and Vidhi seems 'too quick' and lacks proper formation. It doesn't build anticipation and at times it feels dragged. Every now and then Neelesh deals with the negative aspects of casteism. Neelesh and Vidhi continue to face difficulties but Vidhi's screentime gets shortened. It would have been prominent if we could get the perspective of Vidhi more. 

Dhadak 2 lacks solid editing and direction but it has potential. Some sudden shifts of scenes feel awkward, even though the makers have tried to match the situation of Neelesh and Vidhi. Neelesh's take on changing the mentality of the society towards the lower caste people stands out but it lacks solid direction. On the other hand, Vidhi, however belongs to the upper caste, also faces difficulties at her family, and that is because she is a 'girl' and doesn't have a right to stand on her point. She is advised to obey the elders even though the latters are wrong. 

Apart from Siddhant and Triptii's performances, Zakir Hussain, as the college principal, has captured the hearts. His performance seems real. While the film tackles casteism with sensitivity, it lacks punch. Meanwhile, the scene with Birju, Neelesh's pet dog, warms and breaks the heart.

Meanwhile, in his debut film, Aditya Thakare delivers a standout performance as Vasu. His transformation from a content creator to an actor is simply amazing. 

Also Read: Dhadak 2 OTT partner revealed! Here's where you can stream Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi's romantic drama after its theatrical run 

Did Neelesh and Vidhi end up being together or gave up in front of the society? You gotta go to the theater and find out on your own. 

Apart from the direction and editing, the music by Rochak Kohli, Tanishk Bagchi, Javed Mohsin and Shreyas Puranik was feel-good.

Dhadak 2 Verdict:

Dhadak 2, at times, reminds us of 3 Idiots. But this time, it deals with casteism and shows how it takes the life of a person. While the ending note is heavy, the film drags the runtime with overused drama. While Dhadak 2 could have been more prominent with the message 'Today it might not be for us, but tomorrow is ours,' it tests your patience with an uneven narrative. 

Dhadak 2, directed by Shazia Iqbal and produced by Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Cloud 9 Pictures, is running at a theater near you! 

FAQs

Q: Is Dhadak 2 a sequel to Dhadak?

A: Dhadak 2 is a spiritual sequel to Dhadak and deals with a different plot. 

Q: Is Janhvi Kapoor in Dhadak 2?

A: No. Dhadak 2 stars Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi. 

Q: Is Dhadak 2 on OTT?

A: Dhadak 2 will land on Netflix after it's theatrical run.