Dhadak 2 marks a rare moment when Bollywood ventures into socially relevant storytelling. Directed by Shazia Iqbal, this remake of the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal attempts to spotlight caste discrimination in modern India. The film stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri in lead roles and is backed by Dharma Productions.

The story follows a Dalit youth who falls in love with an upper-caste girl, setting off a chain of events that reflects the harsh realities of caste oppression. While the original Tamil film carried deep emotional weight, Dhadak 2 struggles to match its authenticity.

Iqbal’s effort is sincere. The film clearly tries to speak to a mainstream audience that may not often confront such issues. But the storytelling feels uneven. At times, it becomes too much of an explainer, losing the emotional depth that made the original film so powerful.

There are strong scenes—especially those that show systemic injustice—but they are scattered between sequences that feel too polished for the gritty subject matter. The Dharma aesthetic, known for its visual glam, doesn’t always blend well with the rawness needed here.

Siddhant Chaturvedi delivers a restrained and committed performance. Triptii Dimri brings subtle charm to her role. But even solid acting can’t fix the film’s tonal inconsistency.

Still, the film deserves credit. For Bollywood to tackle caste directly is a bold move. It opens the door for more such narratives in the future.