Dhadak 2 Movie Review: A Sequel Balancing Tradition and Modern Love
- Ridhi Jain
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
Dhadak 2 has finally landed on Netflix, with the expectation of those who cannot forget the emotional impact of its predecessor Dhadak, which was a remake of Nagraj Manjule's Marathi-language masterpiece Sairat.
The latest installment of the caste-class conflict franchise is helmed by Shazia Iqbal, featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tripti Dimri in the lead roles. The story explores the same theme of love challenging tradition, but with much more maturity and awareness of the topic it's dealing with.
Storyline and Characters
Dhadak 2 is the remake of the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal and follows almost similar storyline. A Dalit boy, Neelesh, and a brahmin girl, Vidhi, fall in love, but Neelesh's identity is a battle. His dignity is challenged at every step by his peers, who consider him inferior and undeserving of respect. Vidhi, on the other hand, is to be the so-called protector of the family's honor that will be compromised if she hangs around a Dalit boy.
Shazia Iqbal delves deep into Neelesh's battle with his identity, which has been nothing but a burden on him. Siddhant plays the suffocation and shame to perfection. Tripti shines in her part as well. The film has realistic and often intriguing supporting characters, especially the hitman played by Saurabh Sachdeva. Vidhi's father, played by Harish Khanna, is the reflection of the well-meaning person who falls into the trap of culture and tradition, while Neelesh's father, played by Vipin Sharma, is an outcast who chose a path of his desire, despite it being a source of disrespect and shame. Both actors shine in the limited screen time. Saad Bilgrami's Ronnie is the catalyst whose hatred for Neelesh and his identity drives the plot forward. The actor shows his capability in most of the scenes.
Love and Caste Collide in a Changing World of Dhadak 2
The movie's exploration of the conflict between caste and love is a brave undertaking, especially considering how its prequel refused to mention it in its narrative. However, this time the makers take the bold step of naming the names, attacking caste pride and patriarchy.
It describes the way in which contemporary young people often struggle to balance their individuality with family demands. This clash between generations is personified by Vidhi's character, who refuses to be the bearer of honor and stay within the 'lakshman rekha' that women are often subjected to.
In a powerful monologue, Neelesh fights his case against caste identity, refusing to be labelled as dirty and impure. Instead, he concludes that impure are those who don't treat other humans with dignity and respect.
Don't miss Dhadak 2 on Netflix
Dhadak 2 has joined the list of films that didn't get their due during their theatrical run. Is it a hint of the bias that still exists in society? Or is it just the reflection of the diminishing taste of moviegoers? It is debatable.
What's not debatable is that Dhadak 2 is a well-meaning, well-made, engaging film that must be seen by people of all 'castes.' The viewers with a taste of romance, social commentary, and hard-hitting drama like Sairat, Jai Bhim, and Article 15 will find it a valuable movie experience.
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