Dhadak 2

Dhadak 2 (August 1, 2025) is a Hindi-language romantic drama directed and written by Shazia Iqbal, produced by Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Cloud 9 Pictures. A spiritual sequel to Dhadak (2018) and a remake of the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal (2018), the film explores love, social injustice, and caste dynamics in modern India through the story of Neelesh “Neel” Ahirwar (Siddhant Chaturvedi) and Vidhi Bharadwaj (Triptii Dimri).

Neel, a law student from a historically marginalized community, navigates the challenges of a prestigious college while forming a bond with Vidhi, a classmate from an upper-caste, socially privileged family. Their friendship evolves into a profound romance, but societal constraints and familial opposition threaten their relationship. The narrative delves into the brutal realities of caste-based discrimination, highlighting the psychological and physical trials faced by those challenging entrenched hierarchies.

The film’s plot intensifies as Neel faces harassment and humiliation from Vidhi’s relatives, culminating in life-threatening attempts to separate them. Despite these challenges, Neel’s resilience and unwavering sense of justice empower him to confront the injustices directly, culminating in a climactic confrontation that exposes the wrongdoers and reasserts human dignity. Themes of love, courage, social justice, and personal growth are explored throughout the film, with moments of emotional resonance and high-stakes tension.

Supporting performances from Zakir Hussain, Saurabh Sachdeva, Deeksha Joshi, Vipin Sharma, and Saad Bilgrami add depth to the story, portraying a spectrum of social attitudes and responses to caste and privilege. The college and community settings were brought to life through filming in Bhopal, Sehore, and Mumbai, providing authentic backdrops for the narrative. Principal photography began in November 2024, and the soundtrack, composed by Rochak Kohli, Tanishk Bagchi, Javed-Mohsin, and Shreyas Puranik, features songs like “Bas Ek Dhadak,” “Preet Re,” and “Duniya Alag,” which reinforce the emotional and cultural tone of the film.

Dhadak 2 was initially scheduled for release in November 2024 but was postponed multiple times, finally releasing theatrically on August 1, 2025, followed by a Netflix streaming release on September 26, 2025. The film received generally positive reviews for its performances, storytelling, and socially relevant themes, earning praise from critics and audiences alike for addressing issues often overlooked in mainstream cinema.