Dhadak 2 is a remake of the 2018 Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal but is not a scene-by-scene adaptation. In fact, several plot points are different and hence, even if one has seen the original, one will be in for a surprise. The intermission point is shocking and sets the base for an impactful second half. The pre-climax is great while the finale is powerful. Sadly, the film is not without its share of minuses. The first half is just okay and even in some parts of the second half, the film stagnates. The love unfolds between the protagonists very quickly. The character of Shekhar (Priyanka Tiwari) is not given proper due. Lastly, the music is not upto the mark. Siddhant Chaturvedi plays a difficult role with ease. Triptii Dimri delivers yet another superb performance. Though she has limited screen time compared to Siddhant, she makes up for it with her stunning act in the pre-climax and climax. Saurabh Sachdeva (Shankar) is a scene-stealer. Vipin Sharma (Neelesh’s father) has the most unique character in the film and as expected, he’s dependable. Priyanka Tiwari is decent. Saad Bilgrami (Ronnie), Zakir Hussain (Principal Haider Ansari), Harish Khanna (Vidhi’s father Arvind), Aditya Thakare (Vasu), Abhay Joshi (Vidhi’s uncle Prakash), Anubha Fatehpuria (Neelesh’s mother) and Manjiri Pupala (Richa) leave a mark. All in all, Dhadak 2 makes an important comment on the caste system and is a decent one-time watch.
My rating – *** out of 5!