Filmmaker Karan Johar announced Dhadak 2, in May last year. Starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, the film was supposed to hit the screens on November 22, 2024 but got pushed to March, 2025. It got delayed again, as it reportedly faced trouble to get clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), due to the portrayal of cast discrimination in several scenes of the film. Later, after several cuts, the film was certified with ‘U/A 16+’ rating. At the trailer launch event of Dhadak 2, on Friday, Karan opened up about the film's delay.
Karan Johar breaks silence on Dhadak 2 delay
Karan, defending CBFC, said that the censor board was "very understanding and compassionate" towards the subject of the film. The Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani director also said that he has never been worried about "repercussions because that restricts you as an artist."
"If I get scared in the beginning, then…there's a line in the film, 'If you've a choice then fight', and the best way to point a put across is through art," he said.
The filmmaker further said that both CBFC and the makers were "protecting the sensitivity" of the film. Makers understood and respected the perspective of the censor board.
Karan Johar on Dhadak 2
While talking about the film, Karan said it talks about the "reality of our times" and will make people "wake up and think".
"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 release date
It is an adaptation of the 2018 Tamil movie Pariyerum Perumal. The Hindi version is directed by Shazia Iqbal. Dhadak 2 will hit theatres on August 1, 2025.
