Dhadak 2, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, isn’t your typical Bollywood love story. It’s complex, messy and real, and shows viewers the realities they may not be happy to accept.
Cast: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Rating: 3
In the second half of Dhadak 2, the protagonist Neelesh (a Law student) – played flawlessly by Siddhant Chaturvedi – is seen in his principal’s room. It is during this serious meeting with the principal that he is advised to never fear a fight. Neelesh is told, “Marne aur ladne mei se agar ek ko chun na ho, toh ladna” (If you ever have to make a choice between death and battle, then make sure you opt for the fight for your survival). The principal’s words are firm, and Neelesh is convinced that if he is forced to fight for his survival because of being from a lower caste, then he must fight. Reason? Nobody has the right to deny him his dignity, safety, and future. He knows he wouldn’t accept oppression as his fate. What happens after this crucial sequence will inspire many to challenge oppression, raise their voice against such discriminations, rise with courage and live with pride. This is why Shazia Iqbal’s film Dhadak 2, backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, comes across as an important and impactful film.
What is the plot of Dhadak 2?
Dhadak 2, much like Dhadak (based on Marathi film Sairat), is also an adaptation. It is an official remake of popular Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal which had released in 2018. Shazia Iqbal remains faithful to the original film, and seldom deviates from its theme. Dhadak 2 is largely about how love blossoms between two people who belong to two different worlds. Neelesh (Siddhant Chaturvedi) belongs to marginalised section, but manages to get admission in the National University of Law through quota. He falls in love with her classmate Vidhisha aka Vidhi (Triptii Dimri), who belongs to the privileged caste. Vidhi invites Neelesh to her sister Nimisha’s (Deeksha Joshi) wedding. Even though Vidhi’s family isn’t comfortable with the idea of sending out the invitation to him, they permit him. Neelesh looks excited and happy as he attends the wedding, but how things unfold at the hands of Vidhi’s family forms the most crucial part of the story.
What makes Dhadak 2 a must watch?
Dhadak 2 is is the remake of the 2018 Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal. It isn’t just a simple love story because it hits you like a punch to the gut. Much like Sairat, Dhadak 2 makes you feel uncomfortable. What begins as an adorable and feel-good romance between two college students quickly emerges as something more deeper and hard hitting. The moment you are pulled into their world, you begin to understand just how brutal the society, the families can be, especially when caste becomes a determining factor. There is a moment in the film when Vidhi asks her sister’s mother-in-law, ‘Shaadi mei sabse zyaada zaroori kya hai – caste ya pyaar?’ The fact that there’s no answer to this question – but just stoic silence – it says everything. It reveals just how limited some people’s thinking really is. In the second half, Rahul Badwelkar and Shazia Iqbal’s adapted screenplay gets more impactful. Since the film is rooted in the harsh realities of casteism, it features dialogues that are sharp and unapologetic. Rahul Badwelkar and Shazia Iqbal don’t sugarcoat anything, but compel you to face uncomfortable truths head-on.
Shazia Iqbal is impeccable as a director and is convincing in putting across the caste-based discriminations that still exist in the society. To be honest, there hasn’t been a mainstream film like this in the past few years. For it dares to bring a blend of a caste-crossed romance with sharp take on Dalit identity and debates around college reservation. It’s gutsy and we are happy it never plays safe. Vidhi may not be funny aware of what Neelesh has to combat, but she is as fierce as Sairat’s Archana and shows no qualms in supporting Neelesh in his battle rather than just watching from the sidelines.
Siddhant Chaturvedi is able to make Neelesh believable because he understands the battles he has had to face because of his caste, his economic condition and the lack of opportunities to do well in life. He is convincing in putting across his initial inhibitions and awkwardness in speaking to Vidhi to taking on all those who judge him for something as ridiculous as his birth. Triptii Dimri delivers yet another memorable performance. Supporting cast doesn’t disappoint either. Vipin Sharma and Anubha Fatehpuria are impressive as Neelesh’s parents. Zakir Hussain as Principal Ansari fit well in the part. Saurabh Sachdeva is a standout. His eyes speak menace louder than words. His every move is calculated. His silence? Louder than a scream.
The verdict
Those who have watched Dhadak, would agree Dhadak 2 is way better and compelling. Much like Nagraj Manjule’s Sairat, this film will also make you aware of the realities of caste discrimination. This film should be watched for its bold approach, and the fact that it’s both timely and relevant.
Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today!
