‘Dhadak 2’ Opens to Lukewarm Response: High Hopes Meet a Modest Reality at the Box Office

The much-talked-about romantic drama Dhadak 2 finally hit theatres on Friday, but the initial buzz hasn’t quite translated into box office fireworks. Despite featuring a fresh pairing in Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri—both celebrated for their intense screen presence—the film’s opening day earnings remained underwhelming, failing to meet the sky-high expectations set by pre-release promotions and the legacy of its predecessor.

A Quiet First Day at the Ticket Window

According to early estimates, Dhadak 2 managed to bring in just around ₹1.6 crore on its opening day. While these numbers aren’t disastrous in isolation, they pale in comparison to the buzz surrounding the film and fall short when compared to even modest openings of other recent romantic dramas. Interestingly, Dhadak 2 opened to lower numbers than Yudhra, another Siddhant Chaturvedi starrer that didn’t fare well commercially but had a slightly stronger debut.

Many had expected Dhadak 2 to ride on the wave of nostalgia created by the 2018 Dhadak, which starred Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. That film had enjoyed a much stronger start despite mixed reviews. In contrast, the sequel seems to have struggled to pull in the same level of audience curiosity or emotional connection.

Star Power, But Limited Impact

Siddhant Chaturvedi, known for his breakout role in Gully Boy, brought a brooding charm to the screen, while Triptii Dimri, fresh off the acclaim from Animal, added emotional gravitas to the story. Together, they were expected to reignite the magic of classic tragic romances. And yet, strong performances alone weren’t enough to ensure footfalls.

One possible reason could be the film’s underwhelming promotional strategy. Unlike other big-ticket films, Dhadak 2 didn’t quite dominate headlines or social media conversations in the lead-up to its release. The excitement just didn’t build in the way that’s now essential for theatrical success.

A Familiar Love Story in a Changing Market

Directed by Shazia Iqbal, Dhadak 2 attempts to tell a gritty love story woven with themes of class struggle and forbidden romance. While noble in its ambition, the execution seems to have divided audiences. The reviews on day one have been mixed, with praise for the lead actors but criticism for a narrative that felt repetitive and emotionally flat.

The landscape of romantic films in India has evolved dramatically since the release of the first Dhadak. Audiences today are looking for either emotionally explosive storytelling (Sairat remains the benchmark) or something radically fresh. Dhadak 2, unfortunately, sits in a middle space that feels too safe to be impactful and not nostalgic enough to feel comforting.

The Road Ahead: Can Word of Mouth Turn Things Around?

All hope is not lost for Dhadak 2. Films have bounced back from slow starts before, especially when word of mouth clicks with the audience. If viewers connect with the underlying emotional beats or the raw chemistry between Siddhant and Triptii, there’s still a chance for the film to pick up over the weekend.

However, it faces stiff competition from other genre-diverse releases already running in theatres. With attention spans split across OTT platforms, weekend getaways, and blockbuster action flicks, Dhadak 2 will need more than just decent performances—it needs a compelling reason for people to leave their couches.

A Lesson in Expectations and Timing

More than anything, the lukewarm start of Dhadak 2 is a reminder that audience expectations today are dynamic. Legacy and nostalgia alone can’t guarantee success. What worked five years ago needs reinvention, not replication. Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, no doubt, are immensely talented, but it seems the script didn’t give them enough to anchor the audience’s hearts.

For now, Dhadak 2 stands at a crossroads. Will it find its momentum in the coming days, or will it be remembered as a missed opportunity in an otherwise promising year for Hindi cinema?

Only time—and ticket sales—will tell.