Shazia Iqbal’s ‘Dhadak 2’ (Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri) is a solid, well-acted story about a Dalit youth who learns to assert himself

This remake of Mari Selvaraj’s ‘Pariyerum Perumal’ makes some interesting changes in tone and treatment. There’s a love story, a gender angle. All of this makes the film engaging on several levels. The rest of this review may contain spoilers.

When Sairat was remade as Dhadak, we got a bland star-launch vehicle. Dhadak 2, based on Mari Selvaraj’s debut feature Pariyerum Perumal, is a lot better. It is not just a remake but also a thoughtful reimagination, and it opens with a quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson: “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.” But these words do not apply to Neelesh (Siddhant Chaturvedi). Despite the various oppressions he has faced as a Dalit (a term used in the film), he does not want to fight back. While applying for a seat at a law college in the city, the principal hints that he will form a political group and become some sort of leader. Neelesh replies: “Neta banne ke liye ladaai karni padti hai, aur woh mujhse hota nahin.” His battles are more internal, and this is his coming-of-age story.

You can read the rest of the review here:

https://www.galattaplus.com/shazia-iqbals-dhadak-2-siddhant-chaturvedi-tripti-dimrii-is-a-solid-well-acted-story-about-a-dalit-youth-who-learns-to-assert-himself/

You can watch the trailer / video review here:

Copyright ©2025 GALATTA.