Dhadak 2: A Bold Reimagining of ‘Pariyerum Perumal’ in Hindi Cinema
Mumbai, July 13, 2025 — The upcoming film Dhadak 2, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, is not just another romantic sequel. It marks a radical shift in tone, theme, and purpose compared to its 2018 predecessor. Directed by debutant Shazia Iqbal and produced by Karan Johar, Dhadak 2 is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal, and it intends to make a powerful social statement.
1. From Glossy Romance to Gritty Realism
While the first Dhadak was a polished, romanticized version of the Marathi hit Sairat, its sequel chooses a more grounded and serious path. Dhadak 2 dives deep into issues of caste discrimination, social hierarchy, and systemic injustice. The narrative follows two law students—Neelesh and Vidhi—whose love story is strained by societal prejudice, family pressure, and internalized caste boundaries.
This time around, the story doesn’t merely touch upon inequality—it places it front and center, refusing to dilute the brutal truth that inspired the original Tamil film.
2. The Trailer: Intense, Emotional, and Unapologetic
The trailer for Dhadak 2, which released on July 11, begins with a subtle but loaded interaction between the lead characters. Neelesh, played by Siddhant, urges Vidhi to stay away from him for her own safety. What follows is a montage of college life intercut with scenes of caste-based ragging, protest marches, emotional confrontations, and moments of fragile love.
Rather than celebrating romance, the trailer focuses on resistance. It’s about enduring love amidst systemic oppression. Early audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, praising the emotional intensity and powerful performances. However, the use of skin-darkening makeup on Siddhant’s character has sparked some debate about representation and authenticity.
3. Casting Highlights
Siddhant Chaturvedi as Neelesh
Siddhant plays a law student from a marginalized caste. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, portraying vulnerability and suppressed rage in equal measure. The character demands nuance, and Siddhant’s restrained performance, as seen in the trailer, has already impressed audiences.
Triptii Dimri as Vidhi
Triptii plays Vidhi, a bold and idealistic student who falls in love with Neelesh, only to realize the harsh realities of privilege and societal resistance. This is perhaps her most complex role yet, and she brings strength, empathy, and intelligence to the character.
Also Check : Air India Flight AI 171 Crash: Preliminary Report Uncovers Critical Failures
4. A Strong Directorial Debut by Shazia Iqbal
Shazia Iqbal, known for her short film Bebaak, steps into feature film direction with Dhadak 2. Her previous work established her as a filmmaker unafraid to challenge patriarchy, religion, and inequality. This project required a filmmaker with both vision and sensitivity, and Iqbal appears to have delivered on both fronts.
By choosing to adapt Pariyerum Perumal, she not only honors the original’s spirit but also attempts to translate its regional depth into a pan-Indian narrative. Her direction seems to avoid romantic excess, keeping the story grounded and emotionally raw.
5. The Production Journey and Certification Challenges
Initially slated for a 2024 release, Dhadak 2 faced delays due to issues with the Central Board of Film Certification. Reports indicate that over a dozen cuts were requested to tone down certain caste references and violent imagery. After multiple revisions and discussions, the film was finally cleared for release.
The delay, while frustrating, allowed the team to fine-tune its messaging and avoid unnecessary compromise. According to insiders, the changes did not significantly dilute the film’s core themes or emotional power.
6. Caste, Class, and Cinema: The Central Theme
At its heart, Dhadak 2 is not just about love—it’s about how caste infiltrates every space, even education and modern relationships. Unlike Dhadak (2018), which barely acknowledged the social structure that divides lovers, Dhadak 2 exposes that very structure.
By doing so, the film attempts to hold up a mirror to Indian society. The choice to adapt Pariyerum Perumal—a film known for its unflinching critique of caste violence—is significant. It reflects a growing willingness in Bollywood to engage with uncomfortable truths.
7. Aesthetic Choices: Grounded Visuals and Minimal Glamour
The trailer indicates a departure from Bollywood’s usual high-gloss visuals. The color grading, costume design, and soundscape all suggest a desire for realism. There are no grand musical numbers, designer wardrobes, or sweeping drone shots—everything serves the story’s emotional and social intensity.
This deliberate underplay helps keep the viewer focused on the characters and their circumstances, rather than distracting spectacle.
8. Music and Score
While the film does feature a few original tracks, the music is subtle and designed to support the narrative, not overshadow it. Expect folk-inspired melodies, restrained orchestration, and lyrical themes centered on resistance, struggle, and quiet hope.
9. Public Expectations and Early Reviews
The early response from critics and fans alike has been encouraging. Many are calling this the most promising Hindi adaptation of a South Indian social drama in years. Some have even said Dhadak 2 might redefine what mainstream Hindi cinema can be—thoughtful, emotional, and politically aware.
However, the film also faces skepticism. Questions remain: Can a Hindi adaptation retain the rawness of the Tamil original? Will it appeal to mainstream audiences used to glamour and escapism? And can Bollywood truly do justice to the nuances of caste dynamics?
10. Conclusion: A New Chapter for Hindi Cinema?
Dhadak 2 is a cinematic gamble—and an important one. It signals a potential shift in Bollywood’s approach to storytelling: one that values substance over spectacle, truth over convenience. With powerful performances, an honest script, and bold direction, it has the potential to be more than a film—it could be a conversation starter.
In an era where audiences demand more than surface-level drama, Dhadak 2 might just be the kind of cinema India needs.
