The weekend has wrapped up, and the numbers are in—Dhadak 2, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, has officially crossed the ₹10 crore mark at the Indian box office. While the film didn’t exactly set the cash registers ringing on day one, it has shown a steady climb over its first three days, hinting at a slow but meaningful connection with its audience.
📅 Release and Expectations
Released on August 1, 2025, Dhadak 2 arrived with a fair amount of buzz. Under the direction of Shazia Iqbal, the movie serves as a spiritual follow-up to the 2018 success Dhadak, which introduced Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. But unlike its predecessor, Dhadak 2 dives deeper into social commentary, adapting the critically acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal.
The story follows Neelesh, a Dalit law student played by Siddhant, who falls in love with Vidhi, an upper-caste girl portrayed by Triptii. What begins as a tender romance soon spirals into a harsh reality check, as caste-based discrimination and societal pressure threaten their bond.
💰 Box Office Performance: Day-Wise Breakdown
Despite the emotional depth and strong performances, Dhadak 2 had a modest start:
- Day 1 (Friday): ₹3.5 crore
- Day 2 (Saturday): ₹3.75 crore
- Day 3 (Sunday): ₹3.77 crore
This brings the total collection to ₹11.02 crore by the end of its opening weekend. While the growth is incremental, it’s a positive sign for a film that relies more on word-of-mouth than star power or commercial spectacle.
🎥 Audience Reception and Reviews
Critics have largely praised the film’s intent and performances. Taran Adarsh gave it a 3.5-star rating, highlighting the emotionally charged second half and the sharp writing. However, he also noted that the film lacks the soul-stirring soundtrack that made the original Dhadak memorable.
Audience reactions have been mixed. Some viewers have called it “a hammer on society,” applauding its bold take on caste dynamics. Others felt the pacing was uneven, especially in the first half. But one thing’s clear—Triptii and Siddhant’s chemistry has struck a chord.
🎭 Competition at the Box Office
Dhadak 2 isn’t sailing solo. It’s currently battling it out with:
- Son of Sardaar 2 (Ajay Devgn’s comedy sequel)
- Saiyaara (Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda’s romantic drama)
- Mahavatar Narsimha (animated mythological film)
- Kingdom (Vijay Deverakonda’s action thriller)
Among these, Saiyaara has emerged as a box office juggernaut, collecting ₹8 crore on Sunday alone and crossing ₹300 crore overall. In comparison, Dhadak 2 is a slow burner, relying on its message and performances to build momentum.
🎬 Behind the Scenes: What Makes Dhadak 2 Different
Unlike typical Bollywood romances, Dhadak 2 doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. The film tackles caste discrimination head-on, weaving it into a love story that’s both tender and tragic. Director Shazia Iqbal has been praised for her sensitive handling of the subject, and the cast has remained tight-lipped about controversies during production, including censor board challenges.
Triptii Dimri, in an interview, said, “It should reach the maximum audience because it’s entertaining and also leaves a little note.” That balance between storytelling and social impact is what sets Dhadak 2 apart.
📉 Challenges Ahead
Although it has exceeded ₹10 crore, the film is still facing a tough struggle. Monday’s early estimates suggest a 66% drop, with earnings falling to ₹1.4 crore. This is a common trend for films that rely heavily on weekend footfalls. The real test lies in weekday stability and sustained audience interest.
Occupancy rates have also been modest, with metro cities like Bengaluru showing better engagement (29%) compared to regions like Pune (12%).
🎯 What’s Next for Dhadak 2?
The film’s future depends on:
- Word-of-mouth buzz
- Weekday footfalls
- Digital release timing
- International box office performance
If the film continues to resonate with niche audiences and garners support from critics and influencers, it could see a second wind. Otherwise, it risks being overshadowed by bigger commercial releases.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Dhadak 2 might not be a hit, but it’s a movie with soul. It dares to tell a story that matters, backed by sincere performances and a director who isn’t afraid to challenge norms. In a landscape dominated by spectacle, Dhadak 2 offers substance.
📣 Have you watched Dhadak 2 yet?
Did the story move you, or did it fall short of expectations? Express your opinions in the comments, and let’s continue the discussion.
