Dhadak 2 Movie Review: Siddhant Chaturvedi–Triptii Dimri’s Love Story Holds A Haunting Mirror To Caste Realities

Dhadak 2 Movie Review: It's a spiritual sequel to the 2018 film Dhadak and is a remake of the 2018 Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal.

(Source: Movie poster)

Directed By: Shazia Iqbal
Language: Hindi
Cast: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Duration: 2 Hours 2 Minutes
Rating: 3.5/5

A law student no different from his peers, yet made to feel different at every step. Dhadak 2, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, isn’t just a love story- it makes you think, drags you into deep thoughts, and compels you to question your privilege. A spiritual sequel to the Janhvi Kapoor-Ishaan Khatter starrer, this film offers a chilling portrayal of caste discrimination and the discomfort of lived inequality.

Dhadak 2 Plot, Storyline

Set in a law college in Bhopal, Shazia Iqbal’s direction brings to life haunting realities. The backdrop may seem familiar- Neelesh, played by Siddhant Chaturvedi, belongs to a marginalized caste and meets Vidhisha, a girl from 'privileged' background in college. They fall in love, but their differences and society’s brutal reminders that “they are not the same”- push them apart.

From the police slapping Neelesh’s mother, to caste slurs being casually thrown, black paint smeared on his body, and his father being manhandled- the film forces you to confront injustices that many wrongly believe were left in the past. It captures a sentiment with painful accuracy: “If it hasn’t happened to you, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t still exist.”

While the first half builds the foundation of the love story, the second half grips you with its rawness and intensity.

Dhadak 2 Stars & Their Performances

The highlight of the film is Siddhant Chaturvedi’s phenomenal performance. His hesitation, his silent stares, the suppressed rage- all speak volumes. In scenes where he’s brutally beaten or quietly breaks down, his pain becomes the film’s emotional core. And when he finally realizes he must fight for survival, for dignity you can’t help but root for him.

Triptii Dimri complements Siddhant well. She convincingly portrays a woman torn between love and the constraints of societal expectations. Her outburst on sexism, izzat, and family pressure is impactful, though this isn’t her strongest performance overall.

Who's The Villain?

There’s no singular villain in Dhadak 2. The antagonist is the system itself. Saurabh Sachdeva plays a man who sees himself as responsible for “samaj ki safai” (the cleansing of society). Though underutilized, he leaves a lasting impression. His line “Samaaj ki safai” sends a chill down your spine.

Meet Dhadak 2's Supporting Cast

The supporting cast deserves appreciation. A moment worth noting is when Saurabh Sachdeva’s character hears that Neelesh lives in Bheem Nagar and leaves his tea mid-sip- a scene that stings. Zakir Hussain, playing Principal Haider Ansari, also adds weight to the story.

Even amidst the heaviness, there are moments of humour like when Neelesh persuades a barber to pose as his father in front of the principal, earning a brief, genuine laugh.

The soundtrack by Rochak Kohli, Tanishk Bagchi, Javed Mohsin, and Shreyas Puranik is pleasant but fails to add emotional depth to the story. It doesn’t quite measure up to Saiyaara's music. 

Final Verdict

One of the film’s downsides is that you’re left wanting more of Saurabh Sachdeva’s character his presence is powerful, but too brief. While certain scenes make your heart race, others feel a little too predictable, where you can sense what’s coming next.

The film’s core message rests in its poignant tagline: “Aaj apna ho na ho, kal humara hai”. 

Dhadak 2 doesn’t let you walk away comfortably. From the subplot of a senior’s suicide to the final, symbolic passing of a pen from Ronal to Neelesh- it evokes tears, anger, and reflection.

The film might not be perfect, it has its inconsistencies but it boldly holds up a mirror to our society and asks: What are you choosing to ignore?

The climax is unpredictable and deeply moving. You’re left disturbed… and that’s exactly the point.