Dhadak 2 Review: A Remake That Tries to Hit the Right Notes, But Does It Succeed?
The first Dhadak, a remake of the Marathi film Sairat, didn’t quite make the impact it hoped for. Now, Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions is back with Dhadak 2, a remake of the acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal. This time, the story moves away from the romantic tragedy of the first film to tackle the serious issue of caste discrimination head-on. Starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tripti Dimri, the film promises a powerful and emotional journey. But does it manage to live up to the original and deliver a compelling message? Let’s take a closer look.
Plot Summary
The film is set in a backward locality of Bhopal, where we meet Nilesh Ahirwar (Siddhant Chaturvedi). He and his friends make a living by playing drums at wedding functions. One day, they are falsely arrested and subjected to police brutality. This event ignites a fire in Nilesh, and he decides to become a lawyer to fight for justice. He enrolls in a law college where he meets the vivacious Vidhi Bhardwaj (Tripti Dimri). Vidhi, who doesn’t believe in caste distinctions, is drawn to Nilesh’s outspoken nature, and soon, she dreams of a future with him. She invites Nilesh to her sister’s wedding to introduce him to her family, but their closeness is met with strong disapproval. To teach Nilesh a lesson, Vidhi’s brother and his friends brutally attack him. Devastated, Nilesh distances himself from Vidhi. However, Vidhi’s love for him remains strong.
Analysis of the Film:
The core of Dhadak 2 is the stark reality of caste-based discrimination. The film’s strength lies in its attempt to portray the injustices faced by marginalized communities. Siddhant Chaturvedi delivers a strong performance as Nilesh, capturing the character’s journey from a young man seeking justice to a heartbroken individual grappling with a deep-seated social evil. Tripti Dimri, as Vidhi, also shines, bringing a sense of innocence and fierce loyalty to her role. However, the film struggles to match the raw intensity and social commentary of its Tamil predecessor. The romance, while sweet, sometimes takes precedence over the more crucial issues, which can dilute the film’s intended message. The pacing also feels uneven in parts, and the climax, though impactful, might not resonate as deeply with viewers who are familiar with the original’s powerful storytelling.
Music Review:
The film’s music is credited to a long list of composers, including Rochak Kohli, Tanishk Bagchi, Javed-Mohsin, Hesham Abdul Wahab, and Shreyas Puranik. Despite having so many talented names on board, none of the songs manage to stand out. The soundtrack lacks a single memorable track, which is a significant drawback, especially for a Bollywood film. The lack of a strong musical score makes the overall cinematic experience feel less impactful.
Conclusion:
Dhadak 2 is a well-intentioned film that tackles an important and relevant social issue, and the performances by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tripti Dimri are certainly its high point. However, the film’s shortcomings in pacing and a weak musical score make it a less-than-stellar experience. While it’s a decent attempt, there isn’t much here that demands a trip to the cinema. It might be best to save your money and catch this film when it eventually premieres on television or a streaming platform.
Ratings
Filmikaar Bhai – 5.4/10
Google – 4.5/5.0
Film Review – Dhadak 2
Cast – Siddhant Chaturvedi, Tripti Dimri, Deeksha Joshi, saurabh sachdeva
Director – Shazia Iqbal
Writers – Shazia Iqbal, Rahul Badwelkar