Contemporary Filmmaker Shazia Iqbal, the force behind Dhadak 2; her transformation from production design to instigating social transformation.
In the world of Indian cinema, Shazia Iqbal's latest directorial venture, "Dhadak 2", has been making waves. The film, which opened on August 1, 2025, has sparked much discussion on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit due to its compelling story and strong reviews.
"Dhadak 2", a Hindi adaptation of the acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal (2018), has drawn attention with its portrayal of caste and social issues. Produced by Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Cloud 9 Pictures, the film has collected approximately Rs 17.94 crore domestically (gross) and Rs 2.62 crore overseas, with its worldwide gross estimated at around Rs 20.56 crore.
Despite collections slowing as the week progressed, the film's impact has managed to go beyond the numbers. Iqbal's work, including "Dhadak 2", is recognized for its socially conscious themes, particularly its unflinching portrayal of caste discrimination.
Shazia Iqbal, the director of "Dhadak 2", emphasizes the importance of films with strong messages reaching broad audiences. Iqbal, who has a background in production design, has directed the acclaimed short film Bebaak (2019), which won the Filmfare Award for Best Short Film (Fiction) and the Audience Choice Award at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.
"Bebaak" is inspired by true events and tells the story of Fatin, a young woman from a modest background who endures harsh, misogynistic judgment during a scholarship interview. Shazia Iqbal gravitates toward stories that challenge societal norms and highlight social issues without becoming too heavy or didactic.
Even in lighter genres, her films carry undercurrents of injustice and inequality. Iqbal has expressed a desire to reclaim the kind of cinema that carries strong messages. She values both festival recognition and commercial appeal for her films.
As a Muslim woman and an outsider to the traditional film industry, her directing "Dhadak 2"—a film centered around casteism—has been described as a significant breakthrough moment that may inspire others from marginalized backgrounds to pursue filmmaking.
With "Dhadak 2", Shazia Iqbal has made a bold and impactful entry into the Indian film industry, proving that films with strong messages can resonate with audiences and achieve commercial success.
- In an interview, Shazia Iqbal discussed her desire to create a more socially conscious form of entertainment, stating that she gravitates towards stories that challenge societal norms and highlight social issues.
- The success of "Dhadak 2", a film centered around casteism, has sparked discussions about the role of entertainment in addressing societal issues, with some suggesting that such films can serve as a platform for raising awareness and promoting change.
- The impact of "Dhadak 2" has extended beyond the film industry, with critics and viewers praising its portrayal of social issues and claiming that it adds a new dimension to the genre of Hindi cinema.
- As the film industry continues to evolve, some are looking to individuals like Shazia Iqbal as a beacon of hope for a more diverse and inclusive industry that reflects the complexities of Indian society.
- In the realm of lifestyle and culture, the success of "Dhadak 2" has stirred debates about the power of popular entertainment in shaping public opinion and influencing social change, with some arguing that it has the potential to drive meaningful conversations around important issues such as casteism, as well as other pressing matters like health, music, sports, food, games, career, and more.
