Dhadak 2: A Bold Exploration of Caste and Love

A Unique Love Story in North India

In a typical North Indian city, a love story unfolds between Neelesh and Viddhi, highlighting the complexities of their identities and the societal barriers they face. Unlike many Bollywood romances, Dhadak 2 places these issues front and center.

Shazia Iqbal’s adaptation of Mari Selvaraj’s Pariyerum Perumal (2018) introduces a radical Dalit perspective into mainstream Hindi cinema, reflecting the transformative changes in the Tamil film industry.

Filmmakers like Selvaraj and Pa Ranjith have been pivotal in showcasing Dalit identity and exposing the injustices embedded in the caste system.

While Dhadak 2 retains the core narrative of Pariyerum Perumal, Iqbal and co-writer Rohit Bhanwalkar implement significant modifications for the Hindi audience, particularly in addressing caste discussions often overlooked in typical Bollywood films.

Viddhi (Triptii Dimri) first encounters Neelesh (Siddhant Chaturvedi) while he plays drums with his Bhim Band at her home. Their differences extend beyond economic status; she belongs to an upper caste, while he is Dalit, a reality that becomes painfully clear when he enrolls in the same law college as Viddhi.

Neelesh faces severe bullying from peers and faculty, a reflection of his status as a student admitted through a reserved seat. As the only son of a hopeful mother (Anubha Fatehpuria) and an absent father (Vipin Sharma), he feels the pressure to prove himself. Viddhi supports him by providing English lessons and companionship.

Among Neelesh’s aggressors is Viddhi’s cousin Ronnie (Saad Bilgrami), while a menacing contract killer named Shankar (Saurabh Sachdeva) lurks, ready to punish young lovers who defy caste norms.

Despite his struggles, Neelesh avoids Shekhar (Priyank Tiwari), a passionate student activist inspired by Rohith Vemula, who reminds him that his Dalit identity inherently involves political awareness.

The film poignantly illustrates the lived experience of caste through a conversation between Viddhi and Neelesh. She expresses her misconception that casteism is confined to rural areas, to which he responds that only those untouched by caste inequities can hold such views.

Dhadak 2 tackles Neelesh’s challenges with raw honesty and empathy, creating a significant impact, especially in its early scenes.

This film stands out in recent mainstream cinema, intertwining a caste-crossed romance with discussions on Dalit identity, college reservations, and the necessity of legal safeguards against caste-based violence.

One of the most notable changes from Pariyerum Perumal is Viddhi’s character. Unlike the naive heroine of the original, she resembles Rinku Rajguru’s Archana from Sairat (2016), taking charge of her circumstances and standing alongside Neelesh.

Viddhi occasionally engages in speeches that verge on virtue signaling, which may detract from the film's authenticity.

While Dhadak 2 effectively highlights the detrimental effects of casteism, its 146-minute runtime sometimes feels overloaded with Neelesh’s suffering, particularly in the lead-up to the climax.

The relentless hardships he endures can overshadow the emotional weight of his humiliation at the hands of Viddhi’s father (Harish Khanna) and family.

Nevertheless, the film's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Unlike the previous Dhadak (2018), which was a lackluster adaptation of Sairat, this new installment offers a deeper understanding of caste identity and its implications for a young man striving to overcome significant obstacles. The act of love itself becomes revolutionary when it crosses caste lines. Shazia Iqbal, known for her acclaimed short film Bebaak (2019) and a compelling episode in the anthology series Love Storiyaan (2024), brings a rich narrative that delves into caste issues, free speech, campus politics, and interfaith relationships facing severe scrutiny.

The color blue, emblematic of the Ambedkarite movement, serves as both a guiding light and a catalyst throughout the film. It appears in Neelesh’s name and is reflected in the humble homes of his slum, as well as in the muted color palette chosen by cinematographer Sylvester Fonseca.

Iqbal’s direction shines through the outstanding performances of the lead actors, who effectively convey the passion and pain of forbidden love. Triptii Dimri’s ability to evoke deep emotions, evident in her previous works like Laila Majnu (2018) and Bulbbul (2020), is prominently displayed in Dhadak 2.

Siddhant Chaturvedi excels in portraying Neelesh’s initial shyness, his affection for Viddhi, and the immense effort required to overcome the stigma of his background. The supporting cast, including Vipin Sharma and Anubha Fatehpuria as Neelesh’s parents and Zakir Hussain as the college principal Ansari, also deliver noteworthy performances that resonate with Neelesh’s journey.

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