Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri Discuss Challenges and Hope for 'Dhadak 2'

Mumbai, July 15 (PTI) Actors Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri were confident that their film "Dhadak 2" would eventually hit theaters, despite censor board hurdles.

The romance-drama, tackling the sensitive issue of casteism, was originally set for a November 2024 release.

However, complications arose with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which were only recently resolved after the filmmakers agreed to make significant cuts.

Chaturvedi emphasized the importance of releasing the film in theaters, as it marks the directorial debut of Shazia Iqbal.

"It's a process. It feels like the film should come soon since we have already shot it. But it took 3-4 months extra. This is my director's first movie, so for her, I would feel the film should be released soon, as she has made it with a lot of love," shared Chaturvedi.

"Dhadak 2", a sequel to the 2018 film, is a tale of star-crossed lovers from different caste backgrounds, starring Chaturvedi and Dimri. It will now release in theaters on August 1.

Sharing his optimism, Chaturvedi said, "For our producers, it's a special and different movie. The stakeholders who are senior to us were handling it (the censor board issue). We were constantly tracking things. We were sure that it would come out at the right time. We made this movie with a lot of love and honesty, and that there will be no obstacles in releasing it.”

Echoing sentiments, Dimri remarked, "Every movie has a time to get released, and it comes at the right time.” She added that the story was treated with honesty and respect.

"It is a huge responsibility... A lot of the credit goes to our director, who from day one was very sure of what she wanted and how she wanted to tell the story, how the characters should be," she said, highlighting the director's commitment to realism.

According to Chaturvedi, the film sends a message without being preachy. "It should reach the maximum audience because it's entertaining and also leaves a little note," he said.

In "Dhadak 2", Chaturvedi portrays Neelesh, while Dimri plays Vidhi.

This film marks the first collaboration between the two actors, although Chaturvedi admitted it could have happened earlier if he had secured the lead role in Dimri’s 2018 hit "Laila Majnu".

"I was 22 years old, I was a little younger. They needed Majnu to be around 25-26 years old. So, I gave the audition. I got shortlisted," recalled Chaturvedi, who lost the role to Avinash Tiwari.

Chaturvedi described himself as a fan of Dimri, admiring her work and noting her rising stardom.

"She is a national crush," he said, adding that he's eager to see more of her work.

After "Dhadak 2", Dimri will feature alongside Shahid Kapoor in Vishal Bhardwaj's upcoming film “Arjun Ustara”, while Chaturvedi will star with cinema legend Jaya Bachchan in “Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling”.

Dimri expressed her excitement about working with Bhardwaj, praising the opportunity to learn from him.

Chaturvedi also shared his enthusiasm about working with Bachchan, highlighting the experience as joyful and educational.

"Dhadak 2", which also stars Saurabh Sachdeva and Zakir Hussain, is produced by Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Cloud 9 Pictures.

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