Mumbai, July 12 — At the trailer launch of Dhadak 2, producer Karan Johar addressed the long-awaited release of the film, attributing the delay to the sensitive nature of its content and the certification process overseen by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, directed by Shazia Iqbal and starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, is now scheduled to hit theatres on August 1, 2025.
Johar explained that the film’s core theme—an intense love story between two individuals from different castes—required careful handling. “We took a while to get to the cinema halls, but even the censor board was very understanding and compassionate,” he said. “They understood what we were trying to say through the film. They were protecting the sensitivity, and we were protecting the sensitivity.”
Originally slated for release in November 2024, Dhadak 2 underwent multiple modifications before receiving certification. Johar emphasized that the delay was not due to controversy but rather a commitment to artistic integrity. “Sometimes these things take time. These things can’t happen overnight. That’s why there are processes in the censor and we must follow them,” he stated.
The film, a remake of Mari Selvaraj’s Pariyerum Perumal, follows Neelesh (Chaturvedi), a college student who falls in love with Vidhi (Dimri), only to face societal resistance rooted in caste divisions. Johar expressed pride in the final version, calling it “a story that makes you wake up and think… a true reality of our times.”
Director Shazia Iqbal, making her feature debut, praised the cast’s dedication and the producers’ trust in her vision. Both lead actors also shared their personal connections to the story, with Chaturvedi noting his desire to portray a small-town character and Dimri describing the role as one of her most challenging to date.
Johar concluded by reaffirming his belief in cinema as a medium for social change. “If you’ve a choice, then fight. And the best way to put a point across is through art.”
