Dhadak 2

Dhadak 2 Delay: 16 Shocking Cuts Spark Karan Johar’s Bold Response to CBFC

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Dhadak 2, the much-anticipated spiritual sequel to the 2018 romantic drama, has faced significant hurdles on its path to the big screen, with its release now set for August 1, 2025. Produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and directed by Shazia Iqbal, the film stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri in a poignant love story tackling caste discrimination. However, Dhadak 2 has been mired in delays, primarily due to a complex certification process with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). At the trailer launch on July 11, 2025, Karan Johar broke his silence, addressing rumors and praising the CBFC’s “compassionate” approach despite the film requiring 16 modifications. This post dives into the reasons behind the delay, Johar’s reaction, the film’s powerful narrative, and what fans can expect from this bold cinematic endeavor.

dhadak 2

The Long Road to Release

Dhadak 2 was first announced in May 2024, generating buzz as a remake of the 2018 Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal, known for its raw portrayal of caste-based injustice. Initially slated for a November 22, 2024 release, the film was postponed to March 2025, and then further delayed to August 1, 2025. The primary reason? A rigorous certification process with the CBFC, which required 16 specific cuts, particularly to scenes depicting caste-based discrimination, including slurs and violence. These modifications sparked speculation about censorship stifling the film’s message, with some fans on X expressing disappointment over the removal of “hard-hitting sequences”.

Karan Johar, speaking at the trailer launch in Mumbai, dispelled rumors that the CBFC was obstructive. “It took us a while to reach the theatres, but the censor board was very understanding and compassionate,” he said. “They were protecting the sensitivity of the film.” Johar emphasized that both the filmmakers and the CBFC worked collaboratively to preserve the story’s core while adhering to certification guidelines. The film received a U/A 16+ rating, ensuring it remains accessible to a broad audience while maintaining its intense themes.

The Story of Dhadak 2

Dhadak 2 follows Neelesh (Siddhant Chaturvedi), a college student from a lower caste, and Vidhi (Triptii Dimri), a woman from a privileged background, whose love story is tested by societal prejudice. The trailer, released on July 11, 2025, showcases their intense chemistry and the harsh realities of casteism. A poignant moment features Neelesh saying, “Being together isn’t as easy as you think,” to which Vidhi responds, “It’s also not as hard as you think it is.” The trailer hints at escalating conflict, from casual ragging to political turmoil, with a powerful line from Neelesh: “Those who never go through it feel like that, Vidhi”.

Directed by Shazia Iqbal, Dhadak 2 is a spiritual sequel to the 2018 film Dhadak, which was a remake of the Marathi hit Sairat. While the original launched Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, this installment dives deeper into themes of identity, power dynamics, and the emotional cost of love. Johar highlighted the film’s relevance, stating, “This is a story that makes you wake up and think. These topics are not just related to small towns, but they happen around us too”. The film’s gritty tone, combined with the soulful music of Shreya Ghoshal and Jubin Nautiyal, has fans eagerly awaiting its release.

CBFC’s Role and Public Reaction

The CBFC’s involvement in Dhadak 2’s delay drew mixed reactions. Early reports suggested the board objected to explicit references to caste discrimination, leading to 16 cuts, including altered dialogues and toned-down scenes of violence. Some X users criticized the modifications, with one post lamenting, “They REMOVED some of the MOST HARD-HITTING sequences”. Others, however, praised the trailer’s intensity, with comments like, “Such an impactful trailer..!! Not just a message but a strong foot romance that we all needed”.

Johar’s defense of the CBFC was unexpected, given the board’s history of scrutiny over sensitive topics in films like Santosh and Punjab 95. He clarified, “We respected their perspective. Sometimes, these processes take time”. This collaborative approach ensured that Dhadak 2 retained its core message while meeting certification standards. Triptii Dimri, speaking at the trailer launch, called the film “special beyond measure” and noted the challenge of portraying Vidhi, a character torn between love and societal norms.

Karan Johar’s Broader Vision

Johar’s comments extended beyond the film’s delays. He emphasized the power of cinema to drive change, stating, “The best way to bring change is through art”. He acknowledged the challenges of tackling sensitive topics but expressed confidence in Dhadak 2’s ability to resonate with audiences. Johar also addressed health rumors during the event, humorously declaring, “Logon ne toh mujhe maar hi daala tha; main zinda hoon” (People had already killed me off; I’m alive). His candidness and commitment to meaningful storytelling underscored Dharma Productions’ intent to push boundaries.

Siddhant Chaturvedi, reflecting on his role, connected personally with Neelesh, noting his own small-town roots in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. “This is my first time exploring such a genre,” he said, highlighting the shift from his urban roles in films like Gully Boy. Triptii, fresh off Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, expressed pride in the project, emphasizing its relevance in addressing ongoing social issues.

What to Expect from Dhadak 2

The Dhadak 2 trailer has sparked excitement and debate, with fans praising the “powerful performances” and “gripping” narrative, while some worry it may not live up to Pariyerum Perumal’s raw intensity. The film’s creative team, including writers Rahul Badwelkar and Shazia Iqbal, and producers like Apoorva Mehta and Umesh Kr Bansal, promises a thought-provoking experience. With its August 1 release, Dhadak 2 aims to challenge societal norms while delivering a compelling love story.

Why This Matters

Dhadak 2’s journey to the screen reflects the delicate balance between artistic expression and regulatory oversight. Johar’s openness about the CBFC process and the film’s bold themes highlight the evolving landscape of Indian cinema in global markets, including the U.S. As audiences await its release, Dhadak 2 stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to confront uncomfortable truths.

Frequently Asked Questions :

1. Why was Dhadak 2 delayed multiple times?

The film faced delays due to a complex certification process with the CBFC, requiring 16 cuts to scenes depicting caste-based discrimination. Originally set for November 2024, it was postponed to March 2025 and then August 1, 2025.

2. What changes were made to Dhadak 2 for CBFC clearance?

The CBFC mandated 16 modifications, including removing or altering scenes with caste-based slurs and violence, to grant a U/A 16+ rating while preserving the film’s sensitive themes.

3. How did Karan Johar respond to the CBFC’s actions?

Johar praised the CBFC as “understanding and compassionate,” emphasizing their collaborative effort to protect the film’s sensitivity while ensuring compliance.

4. Is Dhadak 2 a direct sequel to the 2018 film?

No, it’s a spiritual sequel, remaking the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal and focusing on caste discrimination, unlike the original Dhadak, which was a remake of Sairat.

5. What is the main theme of Dhadak 2?

The film explores caste-based injustice and the emotional cost of love between Neelesh (Siddhant Chaturvedi) and Vidhi (Triptii Dimri), set against societal prejudice.

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