Shazia Iqbal's Directorial Debut: A Fresh Take on Caste in Dhadak 2
Introduction to Dhadak 2
Shazia Iqbal began her career in the film industry as a production designer before transitioning to directing with her short film, Bebaak (2019). Now, she is making her feature film debut with Dhadak 2, featuring actors Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi.
Adaptation of a Tamil Classic
Dhadak 2 serves as the Hindi version of the critically acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal (2018), which delves into caste discrimination through the lens of a law student's romantic journey. Following a challenging review process with the censor board, the film is set to hit theaters on August 1, albeit with some edits.
Changes Made for Censorship
Among the modifications, a line was altered from "3,000 years of backlog will not be cleared in just 70 years" to "The backlog of age-old discrimination will not be cleared in just 70 years." Additionally, derogatory terms like "chamar" and "bhangi" have been replaced with "junglee," and certain poems, including Om Prakash Valmiki’s Thakur Ka Kuan, have been omitted.
Iqbal's Insights on Adaptation
In an interview, Iqbal discussed her approach to adapting Pariyerum Perumal for a Hindi-speaking audience, emphasizing the persistence of caste in urban settings. She co-wrote the adaptation with Rahul Badwelkar, setting the story in a typical tier-two city rather than a rural backdrop, as she believes caste issues are prevalent in urban areas as well.
Caste Representation in Hindi Cinema
Iqbal reflected on how Hindi cinema has historically addressed caste, noting that earlier films were more open about these themes. She criticized the trend of recent films that avoid these complex social realities, arguing that love stories in India cannot ignore the intersections of caste and identity.
Gender Representation in Dhadak 2
The film also aims to explore gender dynamics more deeply than the original. Iqbal emphasized the importance of portraying female characters with agency and complexity, moving beyond superficial representations of empowerment.
Impact of Censorship on the Film
Despite the Central Board of Film Certification's demand for 16 cuts, Iqbal believes the core message and emotional depth of the film remain intact. She and the producers worked diligently to preserve the film's essence.
Casting Choices
Iqbal was actively involved in the casting process, collaborating closely with the production team. She found Siddhant Chaturvedi, who previously portrayed a character from a backward caste, to be a natural fit for the role of Neelesh. Triptii Dimri was chosen for her relatable and sincere portrayal of Vidhi.
Iqbal's Filmmaking Journey
Though still early in her career, Iqbal has gained valuable insights from her background in production design. She views filmmaking as a journey of self-discovery and aims to tell stories that challenge societal norms while remaining accessible to a broad audience.
Conclusion
Iqbal aspires to create films that resonate with audiences and reclaim the essence of impactful cinema, similar to works like Sairat. Dhadak 2 is set to be a significant step in her evolving filmmaking journey.