Dhadak 2 Struggles at the Box Office Despite Strong Reviews

Dhadak 2, released on August 1, 2025, arrived with high expectations. Directed by Shazia Iqbal and starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, the film is a gritty, socially conscious love story that boldly addresses caste-based discrimination in modern India. As a spiritual successor to 2018’s Dhadak, it promised a deeper and more realistic narrative, especially since it was adapted from the acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal. Critics widely praised the film for its honesty, performances, and thematic depth. Yet, its theatrical journey has proven to be a tough one.

The film opened to a modest ₹3.5 crore on day one and collected around ₹11–12 crore over its opening weekend. Despite the critical buzz, Dhadak 2 struggled to sustain its momentum. By day five, the film had earned ₹14.35 crore, and by the end of its first week, the total collection reached approximately ₹16.24 crore. Globally, the film grossed around ₹17.4 crore. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to keep up with competitors like Saiyaara, Son of Sardaar 2, and the animated mythological hit Mahavatar Narsimha, which dominated screen space and audience attention.

Several factors contributed to the underperformance of Dhadak 2. First, it faced stiff competition from multiple high-profile releases in the same week. Second, the film’s marketing campaign was notably low-key for a Dharma Productions project. Many viewers reportedly didn’t even know the film had been released. Additionally, the subject matter—centered on caste oppression and social injustice—while powerful, didn’t attract the wider commercial audience that usually flocks to cinemas for lighter or more glamorous content.

Despite its box office struggles, Dhadak 2 has received strong praise from critics and filmmakers alike. Anurag Kashyap called it a “return to golden-era storytelling,” and Anurag Basu described it as “a punch in the gut.” Platforms like NDTV and Times of India hailed the film for its bold voice and nuanced portrayal of social realities. Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi were especially praised for their deeply emotional and restrained performances.

With audience turnout dropping and weekday earnings falling below ₹1 crore, the film is now expected to find a second life on OTT platforms. A mid-September 2025 release on Netflix is highly anticipated, and many believe it will gain the appreciation it deserves in the digital space, where word-of-mouth and critical acclaim often lead to stronger viewership.

In conclusion, Dhadak 2 is a film that dares to speak uncomfortable truths. Though its theatrical performance hasn’t reflected its artistic merit, its relevance, emotional power, and strong direction ensure it will remain part of the conversation. Sometimes, a film’s true impact isn’t measured in crores—it’s measured in the questions it asks and the awareness it spreads.