‘Dhadak 2’ Review: A Bold and Unflinching Tale of Caste, Love, and Resistance

In an unnamed North Indian city, a fierce and forbidden romance takes center stage in Shazia Iqbal’s ‘Dhadak 2’, a film that fearlessly foregrounds caste, love, and identity. Unlike its 2018 predecessor, this Hindi remake of Mari Selvaraj’s Tamil classic ‘Pariyerum Perumal’ carries a visceral urgency that mainstream Bollywood rarely dares to show.

Iqbal’s adaptation, co-written with Rohit Bhanwalkar, doesn’t shy away from the brutal truths of caste discrimination. It brings the Dalit consciousness that has revolutionized Tamil cinema into the Hindi film landscape, with Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri portraying the lovers Neelesh and Viddhi in a narrative driven by confrontation, injustice, and the politics of resistance.

💔 A Love Story Marked by Caste Realities

When Viddhi, a privileged upper-caste woman, sees Neelesh playing the drums with his Bhim Band at a family function, an unlikely connection sparks. But Neelesh, a reserved-category law student from a Dalit background, quickly becomes aware of the rigid societal barriers that separate them.

His experience at law college is marked by overt discrimination—from peers, professors, and even Viddhi’s cousin Ronnie (Saad Bilgrami). Yet, Viddhi remains his steadfast companion, offering both intellectual support and emotional solace.

Threats loom in the form of a contract killer (Saurabh Sachdeva) enforcing caste boundaries, and a fiery student leader Shekhar (Priyank Tiwari) evokes the revolutionary spirit of Rohith Vemula, reminding Neelesh that political struggle is inescapable for those born into marginalized castes.

💬 Dialogues That Pierce Through Privilege

In a poignant moment, Viddhi says, “I thought casteism existed only in villages,” to which Neelesh replies, “Only those who haven’t suffered can afford to think so.” It’s this refusal to sanitize caste realities that gives Dhadak 2 its emotional punch and political heft.

The film also reimagines its female lead. Viddhi isn’t a passive love interest—she’s a proactive force, more in line with Archana from Sairat than her counterpart in Pariyerum Perumal. Though some of her speeches veer into moral grandstanding, her arc is a welcome evolution.

🎬 Strengths, Flaws, and A Groundbreaking Voice

While the 146-minute runtime occasionally burdens the narrative with excessive suffering, especially in the buildup to the climax, Dhadak 2 rarely loses its focus or moral clarity. Neelesh’s ordeal culminates in a powerful confrontation with Viddhi’s father (Harish Khanna), a scene that anchors the film’s devastating honesty.

Iqbal’s directorial debut is bolstered by Sylvester Fonseca’s cinematography, which subtly layers the Ambedkarite blue across Neelesh’s world—from painted walls to muted costumes. The blue, symbolic of resistance and Dalit pride, becomes a visual signature of the film.

The performances are exceptional across the board. Triptii Dimri brings quiet strength to Viddhi, continuing the emotional depth seen in Laila Majnu and Bulbbul. Siddhant Chaturvedi is equally compelling, portraying Neelesh’s internal journey with restraint and intensity. Supporting actors like Vipin Sharma, Anubha Fatehpuria, and Zakir Hussain offer layered portrayals that ground the narrative further.

⭐ Verdict: A Radical Romance for the Times

‘Dhadak 2’ is not just a love story—it is a cinematic reckoning with caste, privilege, and the power of resistance. Unlike its glossy predecessor, it dives deep into the systemic injustices that define modern India. Shazia Iqbal has delivered a rare, radical debut that redefines the potential of mainstream Hindi cinema.