‘Dhadak 2’ earns critical praise but faces box office hurdles

New Delhi, August 1, 2025: Dharma Productions’ highly anticipated romantic drama, Dhadak 2, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tripti Dimri, premiered in cinemas today, August 1st. While critics and a segment of the audience have lauded the film’s hard-hitting narrative and powerful performances, its initial box office collections present a cautious picture, especially as it navigates a crowded release schedule.

Directed by Shazia Iqbal, Dhadak 2 serves as a spiritual successor to the 2018 film Dhadak, itself a remake of the Marathi blockbuster Sairat. This new installment boldly tackles themes of caste discrimination, love, and social defiance, drawing its inspiration from the critically acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal. The filmmakers opted for a limited release strategy in India, showcasing the film on approximately 1000 screens. This decision, combined with strong competition, has likely influenced its opening day numbers.

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Early box office reports indicate Dhadak 2 has earned approximately ₹58 lakh in early collections on its first day. While it managed to sell nearly 18,000 tickets in advance bookings, this figure trails behind Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar 2, which released concurrently. The film also faces significant competition from Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom, which, released a day earlier, has already sailed past the ₹10 crore mark on its opening day. Furthermore, July release Saiyaara, the second-biggest film of 2025 after Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava, continues its impressive run, having grossed ₹25 crore on its opening day and crossing ₹350 crore worldwide by Day 11.

Despite the modest box office start, audience reviews for Dhadak 2 on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) largely reflect a positive sentiment regarding its cinematic quality. Many users have called the film “hard-hitting,” praising its “sharp writing” and “emotionally-charged second half.” One user stated, “A film around social issues should have two qualities, i.e., bravery in storytelling & honesty in performances! #Dhadak2 has both brimming to the T. Everything lands! The performances, the dialogues, the emotional depth, the anger against retaliation & the messaging!” Tripti Dimri’s portrayal of Vidhi has garnered significant appreciation, with fans calling it a “new high point in her career” and “her best work yet,” noting her “graceful, grounded, and quietly searing” performance. The film’s discography also received praise for its soulful contributions to the narrative. Critics have highlighted its “bold” and “brave” approach to a forbidden romance, acknowledging its “realistic take on caste divide.”

However, the film has also sparked controversy, particularly regarding Siddhant Chaturvedi’s character portrayal. Some viewers have pointed out the deliberate darkening of his skin tone to emphasize his character’s background, leading to accusations of perpetuating stereotypes. This aspect has even prompted some calls for a boycott on social media, with concerns raised about the film’s depiction of caste and Indian society. Despite these criticisms, many praised Tripti Dimri for showcasing her versatility and breaking away from her previous image.

At its core, Dhadak 2 delves into the intense and often brutal realities of caste discrimination within modern Indian society. The romantic drama follows the journey of individuals defying social norms for love, delivering an emotionally charged and intense cinematic experience. As a remake of Pariyerum Perumal, the film faces the challenge of adapting a story deeply rooted in regional cultural nuances for a wider Hindi-speaking audience. The original Tamil film garnered immense critical acclaim for its raw and honest depiction of caste oppression. Whether Dhadak 2 can fully capture the essence and impact of its source material while navigating mainstream Bollywood sensibilities remains a key talking point among cinephiles.

As the opening weekend unfolds, Dhadak 2 will rely heavily on positive word-of-mouth to overcome its initial box office challenges and solidify its position in a highly competitive market. Its ability to spark important conversations around social issues, coupled with its strong performances, may yet see it gain momentum in the coming days.