Despite its lukewarm box office numbers, Dhadak 2 has become one of the most discussed Bollywood films since its release. Viewers and critics have praised its powerful portrayal of casteism, discrimination, and systemic violence—handled with rare maturity for a mainstream Bollywood romance.
The film cleverly disguises its social message within a love story, reminding both audiences and filmmakers that meaningful cinema has a place in the commercial space. With strong storytelling and sincere execution, Dhadak 2 proves that audiences are open to watching serious content if it’s presented well.
However, fans blame the first Dhadak—starring Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter—for the sequel’s disappointing box office run. That 2018 film, a remake of the Marathi classic Sairat, was heavily criticized for its lack of emotional depth and poor handling of caste issues. Many viewers felt it was an overly sanitized, shallow version that failed to do justice to the original.
The backlash toward Janhvi Kapoor’s performance and the film’s execution still lingers. Because of this, Dhadak 2—which is also a remake, this time of Pariyerum Perumal—was met with skepticism from the beginning. Many assumed it would follow the same “lazy remake” pattern, despite early signs that this film was different.
Fans blame that legacy for Dhadak 2 being unfairly dismissed. While Janhvi Kapoor herself is not part of the sequel, her presence in the franchise’s origin tainted public perception. This association cost the new film dearly, with audiences hesitant to give it a chance despite its improved writing and performances.
In today’s era of sequels and remakes, Dhadak 2 is a reminder that a bad first impression can ruin even a great follow-up. The sequel may be the stronger film by all measures, but the ghost of Dhadak still haunts it—and fans have made it clear that they haven’t forgotten.
