Dhadak 2 Review & Box Office Day 1: Gritty but Slow Start

The cinematic landscape of August 1st, 2025, witnessed a new chapter unfold with the release of Dhadak 2. This film, a spiritual sequel to the 2018 romantic drama Dhadak and an official adaptation of the critically acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal, arrived with considerable anticipation. Starring the talented duo of Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi, the film was touted as a raw, hard-hitting social drama confronting the harsh realities of caste-based prejudice in modern India. However, its opening day has been a tale of two halves: a largely positive critical and audience reception for its bold theme and compelling performances, contrasted sharply by a sluggish start at the box office.

Directed by Shazia Iqbal, Dhadak 2 bravely plunges into the complex and often-unspoken issue of caste-based discrimination. The story follows Neelesh (Siddhant Chaturvedi), a Dalit law student, and Vidhi (Triptii Dimri), an upper-caste girl, as they navigate a forbidden romance against a backdrop of deeply entrenched societal biases. The film’s greatest strength, as highlighted by numerous critics, lies in its unflinching portrayal of Neelesh’s struggles. The narrative avoids glossing over the daily humiliations and systemic injustices he faces, instead bringing them to the forefront with brutal honesty. A major point of praise has been the symbolic use of the color blue, which aligns with the Ambedkarite movement, and the subtle but powerful presence of portraits of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other social reformers.

Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi’s performances are widely regarded as the film’s anchors. Dimri, in particular, has received acclaim for her portrayal of Vidhi, a character who embodies a quiet rage and wounded resilience as she comes to terms with a reality she previously believed was confined to rural areas. Her monologue tearing down the concept of ‘ghar ki izzat’ (family honour) has been singled out as a powerful and memorable moment. Siddhant Chaturvedi, in what many consider his finest performance to date, masterfully transitions from a timid, diffident student to an individual resolute in his fight for respect. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, conveying both the ardour of their taboo romance and the immense weight of the world they must fight.

However, the film is not without its flaws. The “slow start” mentioned in the title is a recurring critique. Some reviews suggest that while the narrative is powerful, the execution can be messy, with an excess of subplots that clutter the canvas. The film’s pacing, especially in the first half, is noted to drag, preventing the emotional beats from landing with their full force. While the film is hailed for its bravery, some critics argue it holds back from making the kind of fearless, sharp commentary its subject demands, a point of contrast with the original Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal. This perceived dilution to avoid censorship or controversy has led to a sense of missed potential, though its efforts to bring this crucial conversation into mainstream Bollywood are undeniably commendable.

The box office narrative for Dhadak 2‘s opening day is starkly different from its critical reception. The film’s Day 1 collection is estimated to be a modest ₹0.09 Cr (₹9 lakh), falling significantly short of the industry’s pre-release expectations of a ₹2.5-3 Cr opening. Several factors have contributed to this slow start. The film is facing direct competition from the sequel Son of Sardaar 2, which also released on the same day. More importantly, it is grappling with the continuing box office dominance of the romantic drama Saiyaara, which is now in its third week and continues to draw massive crowds, affecting screen allocation and audience footfall for the new releases.

The makers of Dhadak 2 adopted a limited release strategy, opening the film on approximately 1000 screens, primarily targeting urban audiences. This deliberate choice, a calculated risk, means the film is heavily reliant on positive word-of-mouth to build momentum over the weekend. A strong performance on Saturday and Sunday will be crucial for the film to recover from its underwhelming Day 1 numbers and reach its full potential.

In conclusion, Dhadak 2 is a film with its heart in the right place, buoyed by the compelling performances of Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi and a brave attempt to tackle a vital social issue. While it may have stumbled with its pacing and hesitated to be as incendiary as its source material, it remains a significant and timely cinematic effort. Its Day 1 box office performance, however, serves as a grim reminder of the challenges facing new releases in a highly competitive market, especially when a blockbuster like Saiyaara is still captivating audiences. The coming days will determine if this gritty social drama can turn its critical praise into commercial success.

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Dhadak 2 Review & Box Office Day 1: Gritty but Slow Start