Dhadak 2 Review: Siddhant Chaturvedi Shines Bright, Triptii Dimri Stuns — A Bold, Must-Watch Love Story
When Dhadak released in 2018, it tried to tell a tale of love and caste but ended up playing it safe. Dhadak 2, directed by Shazia Iqbal, flips that legacy on its head — this isn’t just a love story. It’s a punch in the gut, a reflection of societal truth wrapped in heartbreak, and yes, it’s one of the boldest Bollywood films in recent years.
🎬 Plot That Hits Where It Hurts
Dhadak 2 follows Neelesh (Siddhant Chaturvedi), a law student from a marginalized caste, and Vidhi (Triptii Dimri), an upper-caste girl raised in privilege. Their love blossoms in the corridors of a prestigious law college but quickly crumbles under the weight of caste, tradition, and power.
The film doesn’t flinch. It dives deep into caste-based discrimination — from microaggressions in classrooms to violent backlash from society. Unlike the first film, this one doesn’t hide behind glamour. It stares casteism in the face.
🔥 Performances That Carry the Film
Let’s talk about Siddhant Chaturvedi. Known for his swagger in Gully Boy, Siddhant throws away every bit of that urban cool to become Neelesh — raw, restrained, furious, and vulnerable. In every glance and breakdown, Siddhant delivers what many are calling his best performance yet. His portrayal feels lived-in, not performed.
Triptii Dimri, though, is the surprise package. Vidhi could’ve been a one-note character — but Triptii brings layers: conflict, guilt, growth, and heartbreak. Her journey from privilege to painful realization is subtle and quietly powerful. She’s not just supporting Siddhant — she’s holding her own and how.
Supporting cast? Saurabh Sachdeva is chilling, even with limited screen time. Sana Bilgrami, Vipin Sharma, and Manjari Papola are pitch-perfect.
🎥 Direction, Music & More
Director Shazia Iqbal (of Bebaak fame) makes a terrific feature debut. Her storytelling is clear-eyed and uncompromising. She doesn’t let Bollywood tropes water down the message. The realism in visuals, the gritty small-town setting, and the emotionally raw writing — all scream authenticity.
But it’s not all perfect. The first half drags a bit. It takes its sweet time to establish the romance. And the music, sadly, doesn’t quite hit the mark — especially when we remember Dhadak (2018) had one of the most iconic soundtracks of the decade. The background score by Amit Trivedi is poetic, but the songs? Forgettable.
❤️ What Works
- Siddhant’s powerful, layered performance
- Triptii Dimri’s breakout emotional arc
- Hard-hitting social commentary on caste and identity
- Realistic portrayal of love in an unequal society
- Unapologetic direction and grounded storytelling
👎 What Doesn’t
- A slow-paced first half
- Underwhelming music, especially for a Dharma film
- Minor backlash over “brownface” in Siddhant’s appearance — a fair critique, though it doesn’t derail the film’s impact
🎟️ Box Office Buzz
Despite clashing with Son of Sardaar 2, Dhadak 2 is generating strong word of mouth. Critics are divided between 3.5 and 5 stars, but audiences are resonating with the film’s honesty. Twitter is already calling it a “Bollywood Revival Moment” — and honestly, it feels like one.
🆚 Compared to Dhadak (2018) and Pariyerum Perumal
This is not a glossy Dhadak with heartbreak filtered through slow-mo montages. Dhadak 2 takes Pariyerum Perumal’s soul and gives it a Hindi heart — emotional, political, and grounded. It doesn’t copy, it adapts and dares.
🎤 Verdict: Go Watch It
If you’re tired of cookie-cutter romances and want something that challenges you, moves you, and makes you think, Dhadak 2 is your film. It’s not just a story — it’s a statement. And in the hands of Siddhant and Triptii, that statement is unmissable.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Best For: Lovers of raw romance, social realism, and powerful acting
Now Playing: In theaters near you from August 1, 2025
