Dhadak 2 (Hindi), starring Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi in the lead roles, was released in theatres today. While reviews are generally positive, they have also pointed out many flaws.
A common criticism is that the film's storytelling is uneven, particularly in the first half, which is said to drag and focus too much on a "forced" romance. The film struggles to find its voice and a consistent tone, which detracts from its powerful message. Several reviews mention that while the film is brave, it ultimately "hesitates to roar." Unlike the original Pariyerum Perumal (Tamil), some critics feel that Dhadak 2 pulls its punches and avoids a truly sharp, unapologetic commentary on casteism, perhaps to avoid controversy. The climax, in particular, is noted as being less impactful and more "preachy" than it could have been.
"The film's pacing is an issue for some, with a few reviewers suggesting it could have been trimmed by at least 20 minutes to improve its flow and impact," a review noted.
Directed by Shazia Iqbal, Dhadak 2 also features Zakir Hussain, Saurabh Sachdeva, Deeksha Joshi, and others.
