Karan Johar reveals the reason behind Dhadak 2's delay: "There are processes in the censor and we must follow"

The Shazia Iqbal-directed film, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, faced significant delays and underwent multiple modifications.

Karan Johar on Friday said it took time to bring Dhadak 2 to theatres, but the censor board understood what the makers were trying to convey through the film — a story of two star-crossed lovers from different castes.

The Shazia Iqbal-directed film, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, faced significant delays and underwent multiple modifications. It is now slated to release in theatres on August 1.

“We took a while to get to the cinema halls, but even the censor board was understanding and very compassionate… (They) understood what we were trying to say through the film. They were protecting the sensitivity, and we were protecting the sensitivity. We understood and respected their perspective,” Johar told reporters at the trailer launch of the movie.

The producer expressed pride in the final version of the film, which he said reflects the "reality of our times" and deals with an important issue. “Sometimes these things take time, these things can’t happen overnight. That’s why there are processes in the censor and we must follow… It took time, but every good thing takes time (to come out).”

“It is a story that makes you wake up and think. These topics are not just related to small towns, but they happen around us too. It is a true reality of our times, no matter where you live,” he added.

Dhadak 2 follows the story of Neelesh (Siddhant Chaturvedi), a college student who falls in love with Vidhi (Triptii Dimri), but their love is challenged by the deep-rooted caste system. The film was originally set to release in November 2024 but faced several postponements.

Johar said he wasn’t worried about the backlash the film might attract. “If I get scared in the beginning, then… like there’s a line in the film, ‘If you’ve a choice then fight’, and the best way to put a point across is through art.”

Speaking about Dharma Productions, Johar acknowledged its association with a specific kind of cinema but emphasized the banner's commitment to diversifying its storytelling. “Though I think we’ve time and again tried to shake that up. We’ve used up themes and presented them with utmost sensitivity and that was also the need of the hour… I believe cinema is an impressionable medium… Dhadak 2 is a mainstream film, an intense love story, but it’s saying something.”

Triptii Dimri, known for her roles in Laila Majnu, Bulbbul, Qala, and Animal, said she is extremely proud of being a part of Dhadak 2. “I am very proud of this film. I am very happy that I am a part of it, that I am working with such people. It was a bit challenging to play Vidhi. But I have always wanted to play those characters that challenge me as an actor. And I think this happened. Once you watch the film, you will understand why we are very proud of it. It is something very special.”

Siddhant Chaturvedi, known for his roles in urban settings in films like Gully Boy, Gehraiyaan, and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, said he had long wanted to portray a small-town character. “Because I come from a small town, I didn’t get those types of stories. And I remember when Karan sir called me and said there is a story, I said I will do it instantly.”

“By default, I tend to choose something which is a little challenging… And if I talk about a small town, I have lived that life. So somewhere I am connected to it. And somehow those things weren’t coming, such scripts weren’t coming, and I got this,” he added.

Also read: Dhadak 2 trailer: Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri fight against casteism in this intense romantic drama

Director Shazia Iqbal, known for her acclaimed short film Bebaak, said the team placed complete trust in her without being influenced by her gender. “Generally, there is a certain type of story that is given especially to female filmmakers, but I don’t think my producers ever had that thought. They had the full trust in me from day one, and I think that helps a lot,” she said, speaking about her feature directorial debut.

“And Siddhant and Triptii, once you watch the film, you will realise, they have given their all. And that is the best thing a director can ask for,” she added.