The much-awaited Dhadak 2, a spiritual sequel to the 2018 romantic drama Dhadak, is set to hit theatres on August 1, 2025, and it’s already creating waves among Bollywood fans. Starring the dynamic duo of Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, this film promises to deliver an intense and emotionally charged love story that tackles the sensitive issue of casteism in India. Produced by Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Cloud 9 Pictures, and directed by debutante Shazia Iqbal, Dhadak 2 is poised to be a cinematic experience that resonates deeply with audiences.
A Story That Strikes a Chord
Dhadak 2 is a Hindi remake of the critically acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal (2018), weaving a narrative that explores the complexities of love caught in the web of societal norms, particularly caste and class divides. The story follows Neelesh, played by Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Vidisha (Vidhi), portrayed by Triptii Dimri, two college students pursuing law who fall deeply in love. However, their romance is challenged by the stark differences in their social backgrounds, with Vidhi coming from a privileged family and Neelesh navigating the harsh realities of caste-based discrimination.
The trailer, released on July 11, 2025, has already struck a chord with viewers, showcasing a melancholic yet powerful narrative. It opens with Neelesh telling Vidhi, “Tum mujhse pyaar karti ho naa? Toh mujhse door raho” (If you love me, stay away from me), setting the tone for a heartbreaking yet defiant love story. The motion poster, shared by producer Karan Johar, carries the tagline, “Yeh kahani hai thodi alag kyuki ek tha raja, ek thi raani, jaat alag thi, khatam kahani” (This story is a little different because there was a king, there was a queen—their castes were different… end of story). This poignant line encapsulates the film’s core theme: a love that dares to defy societal barriers but faces an uphill battle.
Stellar Cast and Crew
Siddhant Chaturvedi, known for his raw intensity in films like Gully Boy and Gehraiyaan, steps into the role of Neelesh, a character that demands both vulnerability and resilience. Fans on social media have praised his trailer performance, with many calling it potentially “the performance of his career so far.” Triptii Dimri, fresh off her success in Animal and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, brings her signature emotional depth to Vidhi, a woman torn between her privileged upbringing and her love for Neelesh. The chemistry between the two leads has been a talking point, with fans gushing over their “raw and real” connection in the trailer.
Directed by Shazia Iqbal, known for her acclaimed short film Bebaak and the Prime Video series Love Storiyaan, Dhadak 2 marks her feature film debut. The film’s music, composed by Rochak Kohli, Tanishk Bagchi, Javed-Mohsin, and Shreyas Puranik, with lyrics by Rashmi Virag, Siddharth–Garima, Gurpreet Saini, and Ozil Dalal, has already garnered praise for its soulful and evocative tracks. The supporting cast, including Vipin Sharma, Manjari Pupala, Diksha Joshi, Priyank Tiwari, Amit Jat, Mayank Khanna, and Ashwant Lodhi, adds further depth to the story.
A Journey Fraught with Challenges
The road to Dhadak 2 hasn’t been without its twists. Initially announced in May 2024 with a release date of November 22, 2024, the film faced multiple postponements, finally settling on August 1, 2025. Interestingly, producer Karan Johar had denied rumors of Dhadak 2 being in development back in April 2023, only to confirm the project a year later, surprising fans. The film began principal photography in November 2024, with exclusive set photos revealing Siddhant and Triptii in a college setting, dressed casually with ID cards, hinting at a grounded and relatable backdrop.
The trailer has sparked both excitement and some criticism. While netizens have lauded the film’s intense storytelling and the performances of its leads, some have expressed disappointment over the use of “brownface” for Siddhant’s character, Neelesh, to depict a lower-caste individual. Comments on social media reflect this sentiment, with one user stating, “Can’t Bollywood show a poor person or someone of a lower caste without browning up the actor?” Despite this, the trailer has been hailed as a “revival of Bollywood,” with many appreciating its focus on a socially relevant issue that resonates with the Indian middle class.
Behind-the-Scenes Banter
Adding a lighthearted touch to the intense project, Triptii Dimri shared a fun anecdote about the set dynamics. While filming, she and co-star Aditya Thackeray (who plays a friend in the film) felt “FOMO” watching Siddhant shoot high-octane action scenes. In a playful response, they created an impromptu “side-project” they jokingly called Dhadak 3, where they improvised their own action sequences, even roping Siddhant in to be “defeated” in their mock fights. Director Shazia Iqbal was initially baffled by their antics during serious scenes, but the camaraderie reflects the vibrant energy on set.
Siddhant also shared how the crew’s behavior toward Triptii changed after the release of Animal in December 2023, when they were shooting in Bhopal. Post-Animal, Triptii became a “national crush,” and suddenly, the crew was extra attentive, offering her a variety of teas instead of ignoring her earlier requests. Siddhant teased her about this newfound attention, adding a humorous note to their on-set bond.
Why Dhadak 2 Matters
Unlike its predecessor Dhadak, which was criticized for glossing over the caste-based discrimination central to its source material (Sairat), Dhadak 2 appears to tackle the issue head-on. The motion poster’s slogans, “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty” and “Dalit lives matter,” signal a bold narrative that doesn’t shy away from addressing casteism and social inequality. Fans on X have called the trailer “promising” and “authentic,” with one user noting, “The intrigue factor is better than Dhadak 1 for sure. It seems like this has more heart and definitely better acting.”
As Bollywood continues to evolve, Dhadak 2 stands out for its attempt to blend a compelling love story with a socially relevant message. With its talented cast, soul-stirring music, and a director with a fresh perspective, the film is poised to spark conversations about love, caste, and societal norms. Whether it fulfills its promise or falls short, Dhadak 2 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated releases of 2025.
Mark your calendars for August 1, 2025, and get ready to witness a love story that’s as heartbreaking as it is hopeful. Will Neelesh and Vidhi’s love conquer the barriers of caste and class? Only time—and the silver screen—will tell.
Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, India.com, Livemint, Patrika English News, Wikipedia, Reddit, X posts
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