Dhadak 2 Review: A Powerful Yet Flawed Social Drama That Echoes 3 Idiots in Unexpected Ways
When two films from entirely different genres—Dhadak 2 (a hard-hitting social drama) and 3 Idiots (a lighthearted yet profound comedy)—share striking similarities, it’s worth paying attention. While Dhadak 2 tackles caste oppression and systemic injustice, it strangely mirrors 3 Idiots in two key moments, creating an uncanny connection between the two films.
Unexpected Callbacks to 3 Idiots
The first instance is when Siddhant Chaturvedi’s character, Neelesh, repeats Aamir Khan’s iconic 3 Idiots line—“Yeh suicide nahi, murder tha”—after a tragic incident. The scene’s framing is eerily similar, reinforcing the idea that societal pressures, whether academic or caste-based, can push individuals to extreme despair.
The second parallel is the exasperated “Arre kehna kya chahte ho?” vibe that surfaces multiple times in Dhadak 2. Much like 3 Idiots, where professors and authority figures fail to understand the protagonist’s perspective, Dhadak 2 showcases how deeply entrenched caste biases blind people to basic humanity.
A Faithful Yet Overstuffed Adaptation
Following in the footsteps of its predecessor Dhadak (which adapted Sairat), Dhadak 2 brings to life the powerful Tamil drama Pariyerum Perumal (2018).”Director Shazia Iqbal stays largely faithful to the original, retaining its core themes of caste discrimination and forbidden love.
“At its core, the narrative revolves around law student Neelesh (Siddhant Chaturvedi) from a marginalized caste and Viddhi (Triptii Dimri), a privileged-caste woman who defies social norms by pursuing him. Their romance is met with brutal resistance from her family, leading to humiliation, violence, and a struggle for dignity.
Too Many Conflicts, Too Little Focus
While the original Pariyerum Perumal was a tightly woven narrative, Dhadak 2 piles on multiple subplots—caste violence, political machinations, and even a psychopathic killer targeting inter-caste couples. At times, the film feels overstuffed, making the audience wonder: How much conflict is too much?
The first half struggles with pacing issues, but the second half finds its footing when it shifts focus entirely to caste oppression. Neelesh’s transformation from a hesitant lover to a defiant rebel is gripping, and the tension escalates effectively. However, the film’s attempt to also weave in women’s rights themes feels underdeveloped.
Performances That Shine
Siddhant Chaturvedi’s compelling portrayal brings to life the quiet desperation of a man oppressed by societal structures, yet clinging to his dignity. His raw, emotionally charged performance in the film’s second half elevates the narrative.
Triptii Dimri, too, excels as Viddhi, portraying a woman torn between love and familial loyalty. Her nuanced acting adds depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.
Among the supporting cast, Zakir Hussain (as the college principal) and Saurabh Sachdeva (as a menacing antagonist) leave a strong impression.
Music & Editing: Missed Opportunities
The soundtrack, composed by Rochak Kohli, Tanishk Bagchi, Javed Mohsin, and Shreyas Puranik, is pleasant but doesn’t enhance the narrative as much as it should. Some tracks work well in isolation but feel disconnected from the film’s emotional core.
The biggest drawback, however, is the editing. The film’s 20-minute-longer-than-necessary runtime drags down its impact. The climax, though well-intentioned, becomes overly preachy, diluting the emotional payoff. A tighter edit could have made Dhadak 2 a sharper, more hard-hitting experience.
Final Verdict: A Noble Effort with Flaws
Dhadak 2 is a film with a vital message—one that exposes the harsh realities of caste discrimination and systemic oppression. When it focuses on its core theme, it delivers some truly impactful moments. However, its uneven pacing, overcrowded subplots, and excessive runtime prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Rating: 3/5
✅ Strengths: Strong performances, bold social commentary, gripping second half.
❌ Weaknesses: Overstuffed narrative, inconsistent pacing, underwhelming climax.
In the end, Dhadak 2 is a film that almost gets it right. It has moments of brilliance, but they’re buried under layers of untapped potential. If you’re looking for a socially relevant drama with solid acting, it’s worth a watch—but don’t expect a flawless masterpiece.
Would you watch Dhadak 2? Share your thoughts in the comments!