The highly anticipated romantic drama Dhadak 2, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, released with much fanfare, but the film’s performance at the box office has been a mixed bag. After a relatively promising opening weekend, the film witnessed a notable drop in its collections on its first Monday, collecting less than ₹2 crore. As per early estimates from industry tracker Sacnilk, Dhadak 2 earned ₹1.40 crore on Day 4, bringing its total domestic earnings to ₹12.80 crore.
Despite the star power and a socially relevant storyline, the film is struggling to maintain its momentum amidst fierce box office competition. With multiple releases vying for audience attention, Dhadak 2 has found itself in a tough spot as it attempts to carve its space in the hearts of the movie-going public.
A Slow Monday for Dhadak 2: The Numbers So Far
After registering decent figures during its opening weekend, Monday’s dip has raised eyebrows. The movie saw an overall 14.26% occupancy rate in Hindi-speaking regions on August 4 — a considerable drop when compared to the buzz it generated before release. With ₹1.40 crore collected on Day 4, the total earnings of Dhadak 2 now stand at ₹12.80 crore.
Typically, films that resonate with the audience maintain steady numbers even on weekdays. However, Dhadak 2 appears to be losing steam earlier than expected. While the film continues to bring in modest figures, they’re not enough to label it a commercial success just yet.
Tough Competition from Multiple Releases
One of the biggest factors affecting Dhadak 2’s box office performance is the stiff competition from other new and ongoing releases. Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar 2, a comedy entertainer, is pulling in a family crowd with a mix of nostalgia and mass appeal. Meanwhile, the animated mythological epic Mahavatar Narsimha is drawing in younger audiences and families alike.
Another film that has emerged as a surprise box office dominator is Saiyaara, starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Despite being a relatively fresh face in the industry, Ahaan’s performance, paired with a compelling storyline, has managed to create a storm at the box office. On its third Monday — more than two weeks after its release — Saiyaara collected ₹2.50 crore, clearly overshadowing Dhadak 2’s fourth-day figures. According to Sacnilk, Saiyaara’s total collection has already soared past ₹300 crore, a staggering number for a romantic drama.
Adding to the competitive landscape is Vijay Deverakonda’s action film Kingdom, which appeals to fans of high-octane cinema, and further divides audience attention.
The Story That Needed to Be Told
Dhadak 2 is not just another love story. It explores the deep and often uncomfortable realities of caste-based discrimination through the lens of a college romance. The plot follows Neelesh and Vidhi, two bright law students who fall in love, only to face societal resistance and systemic harassment due to their caste backgrounds.
This fresh perspective on love across societal barriers adds emotional depth and relevance to the film, aiming to strike a chord with India’s youth while also initiating necessary conversations.
Triptii Dimri on the Film’s Relevance
In a recent interview with PTI, actress Triptii Dimri reflected on why Dhadak 2 is more than just a sequel or romantic entertainer. She said,
“It should reach the maximum audience because it’s entertaining and also leaves a little note, so that is something which we are constantly looking for. We found that equilibrium… There is something real and sensitive about it (‘Dhadak 2’).”
Triptii also revealed that the team consciously chose to remain silent on controversies and focused entirely on the storytelling. “All of these guys have more responsibility, and they are very well aware of that. That’s why they have been very quiet about everything — like while we were shooting for the film, even the censor board issues, we never spoke about anything,” she added.
Her words highlight the team’s intention to let the film speak for itself, rather than engage in off-screen drama.
Shazia Iqbal’s Direction Brings Realism and Sensitivity
Director Shazia Iqbal brings a grounded yet poignant touch to Dhadak 2, which sets it apart from its predecessor. While the original Dhadak (2018) — starring Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor — was a more stylised adaptation of Sairat, this sequel aims to be rooted in reality, with mature storytelling and a more nuanced treatment of social themes.
Iqbal’s direction has been praised for its subtlety and the authentic representation of young love challenged by social prejudices. Critics have noted that Dhadak 2 doesn’t rely heavily on melodrama, instead choosing to highlight emotional intensity through restrained performances and sharp dialogues.
Star Performances That Leave an Impression
Siddhant Chaturvedi, best known for his breakout role in Gully Boy, delivers a restrained and effective performance as Neelesh. His portrayal captures the internal conflict of a young man torn between love and the harsh realities of the caste system.
Triptii Dimri, who earned acclaim for her roles in films like Bulbbul and Qala, continues her winning streak. As Vidhi, she balances vulnerability and strength, embodying the character’s courage and resilience. Together, their on-screen chemistry offers a believable and moving love story.
Can Word of Mouth Turn the Tide?
Although the film’s Monday numbers are underwhelming, all is not lost for Dhadak 2. Romantic dramas often thrive on strong word of mouth, especially when they carry emotional depth and a social message. If the audience response continues to grow over the weekdays and upcoming weekend, the film may regain momentum.
Its performance will also depend on whether urban and multiplex audiences connect with its message and spread positive reviews online — something that has been known to revive the box office run of films with a slow start.
Final Thoughts: A Film That Deserves a Chance
Dhadak 2 might not be shattering records yet, but it certainly deserves appreciation for the courage to tell a socially conscious story in a commercial space. In an era where mindless action and slapstick comedy dominate the box office, a film that speaks about caste discrimination through the lens of young love is both relevant and bold.
Whether or not the box office numbers eventually reflect its true value, Dhadak 2 has already contributed meaningfully to the kind of stories Bollywood should be more willing to tell.
📊 Dhadak 2 Box Office Summary (So Far)
- Day 1 (Friday): ₹4.20 crore
- Day 2 (Saturday): ₹3.70 crore
- Day 3 (Sunday): ₹3.50 crore
- Day 4 (Monday): ₹1.40 crore
- Total Collection: ₹12.80 crore
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