A Bold Comparison to Bollywood Legends

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently took to social media to shower praise on Dhadak 2, directed by Shazia Iqbal, likening it to the timeless works of legendary directors Raj Kapoor, Bimal Roy, and Guru Dutt. Known for their socially relevant and emotionally resonant films, these icons shaped Bollywood’s golden era with classics like Awaara, Do Bigha Zamin, and Pyaasa. Kashyap’s comparison places Dhadak 2 in elite company, signaling its significance as a mainstream film that dares to tackle pressing societal issues. He described the film as a “punch in the gut,” highlighting its raw portrayal of India’s social realities, particularly casteism and classism, themes rarely explored with such intensity in contemporary Bollywood.

A Story That Mirrors India’s Reality

Dhadak 2, a spiritual sequel to the 2018 film Dhadak, is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal. Set in a law college in Maharashtra, it follows Neelesh, a Dalit student played by Siddhant Chaturvedi, who falls in love with Vidhi, an upper-caste classmate portrayed by Triptii Dimri. Their romance is overshadowed by systemic caste-based discrimination and societal prejudice, reflecting the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities. Kashyap commended Iqbal for “holding a mirror to what India really is,” emphasizing the film’s unflinching depiction of caste dynamics and its departure from the glossy escapism often associated with mainstream Bollywood.

Stellar Performances and Directorial Courage

Kashyap singled out the performances of Chaturvedi and Dimri, noting their ability to bring depth to a challenging narrative. Chaturvedi’s portrayal of Neelesh captures the quiet resilience of a young man navigating systemic injustice, while Dimri’s Vidhi balances vulnerability and defiance. Supporting actors, including Saurabh Sachdeva and Zakir Hussain, were also praised for their compelling contributions. Iqbal’s direction, marked by clarity and courage, draws parallels to the socially conscious storytelling of Raj Kapoor, Bimal Roy, and Guru Dutt, who blended entertainment with thought-provoking commentary. Kashyap noted that such mainstream films with social relevance have become rare, often relegated to independent cinema, making Dhadak 2 a bold exception.

A Call for Meaningful Cinema

In his heartfelt post, Kashyap lamented the decline of mainstream films that address social issues, a hallmark of the golden era. He contrasted Dhadak 2 with South Indian cinema, particularly Tamil films, which continue to tackle societal challenges head-on. The film’s hard-hitting dialogues and powerful climax have resonated with audiences, with Kashyap sharing that even his driver was moved to tears. Despite some criticism for its occasionally diluted narrative compared to Pariyerum Perumal, Dhadak 2 stands out for its ambition to spark conversation about caste and identity.

A Milestone for Bollywood

Backed by Dharma Productions and producer Karan Johar, Dhadak 2 has been hailed as a brave step forward for Bollywood. While not without flaws, its attempt to weave a love story with socio-political commentary echoes the legacy of the masters Kashyap referenced. As reviews pour in, the film’s raw emotion and strong performances continue to earn acclaim, cementing its place as a significant cinematic work in 2025.

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