The trailer of one of the most highly anticipated Bollywood films this year, Dhadak, was launched on June 11. Starring Janhvi Kapoor, daughter of filmmaker Boney Kapoor and late actress Sridevi, alongside Ishaan Khattar, Dhadak marks the debut of Kapoor under the guidance of her mentor, renowned director Karan Johar.
The film is a remake of the highly-acclaimed Marathi film, Sairat (2016), the copyrights of which were purchased by Johar, soon after which he announced the launch of Kapoor and Khattar.
Khattar, the half-brother of actor Shahid Kapoor, was first seen in Majid Majidi’s Beyond the Clouds. While appreciation has been pouring in from family members and the film fraternity, Kapoor and Khattar’s performance in the trailer of Dhadak has garnered mixed reviews from audiences, who have compared it to the original Marathi movie.
Sairat showcased the story of two college friends, Archi and Parshya, each belonging to a different caste. They face the brutality of society when they fall in love with one another. Highlighting the stringent practice of casteism in India, the film featured two amateur actors, Rinku Rajguru and Akash Thosar, who won hearts around the world with their performances.
Sairat earned more than Rs1 billion (Dh54 million) and became the highest-grossing film in Marathi cinema. The movie was also screened at the Berlin International Film Festival and received a standing ovation.
Sairat’s chart-busting song Zingat has also been recreated with Hindi lyrics with music composed by duo Ajay-Atul.
While Sairat showcased rawness and simplicity, Dhadak presents the story in a modern avatar with its grandeur and style.
Dhadak is helmed by Shashank Khaitan, director of Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania and Badrinath ki Dulhania. Produced under Johar’s banner, Dharma Productions, the movie will release in the UAE on July 19.
— Simran Kanal is an intern at Gulf News.
