Director Shazia Iqbal has opened up about the initial reactions to her film Dhadak 2, particularly the harsh labels it received soon after its theatrical release. Despite critical acclaim, the film, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, didn't perform as expected at the box office, leading many to call it a "disaster". This reception was "heartbreaking" for Iqbal, who had envisioned the film as a commercial entertainer.
Dhadak 2 faced challenges from the outset, including competition from other films like Saiyaara and Son of Sardaar 2. Iqbal believes that the narrative surrounding the film was negatively impacted by these comparisons and the immediate labeling of it as a flop. She pointed out the difficulty in predicting what will resonate with audiences, stating, "everyone who pretends or you know projects that 'we know what works,' that person is a complete fraud".
The film is a remake of the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal and addresses caste discrimination within a love story. Set "in a space that exists between the bucolic and the brutal," Dhadak 2 follows a lower-caste man's romance with a woman from an upper-caste family. The film highlights the challenges and dangers faced by those who dare to love outside their caste. While Dhadak "rekindled the romance of the original Marathi source," Dhadak 2 "doesn't stir the romance enough for the clearly spelled out caste conflict to take over the senses".
Despite the initial disappointment, Dhadak 2 found a new audience after its release on Netflix. Iqbal noted a significant increase in online engagement, with many viewers discovering the film for the first time. Siddhant Chaturvedi also observed that the film's reach felt wider on the streaming platform than it did during its theatrical run. The film even managed to trend in the UK.
Reviews of Dhadak 2 have been mixed, with some praising its bold and honest portrayal of caste divide, while others have criticized its messy execution and uneven narrative. Some viewers have applauded the film's hard-hitting climax and the performances of Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri. Others found the love story underdeveloped and the film's resolution restrained. Despite these criticisms, many agree that Dhadak 2 tackles a relevant social issue and offers a fresh perspective on the original story.
Shazia Iqbal has also spoken about the lack of support from the Bollywood industry for films that address caste politics. She questioned whether the critical acclaim for Dhadak 2 would influence producers and studios to create more socially relevant films that openly discuss caste. "How much does it influence them to come out? Do they feel the need to make socially relevant films and talk about caste loudly in our films? It hasn't even been there subtly," Iqbal stated.
Despite the initial heartbreak, Iqbal seems optimistic about the film's future and its potential to spark conversations about important social issues. She even suggested that Dhadak 2 might be considered a "cult" film later on.
