Director Shazia Iqbal calls out industry’s lack of support for Dhadak 2: ‘Do they feel the need to make socially relevant films?’

In a recent interview, Shazia Iqbal criticised the industry’s lack of support despite Dhadak 2, starring Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi, receiving widespread critical acclaim.

Director Shazia Iqbal calls out industry’s lack of support for Dhadak 2

Dhadak 2 director Shazia Iqbal recently spoke about the film industry’s lack of support for socially relevant cinema. Her debut feature, which addresses casteism in India, released in theatres on August 1. In a recent interview, Shazia criticised the industry’s silence despite Dhadak 2, starring Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi, receiving widespread critical acclaim.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO

During a chat with Zoom, Shazia expressed her disappointment over the Bollywood industry’s unwillingness to support films that showcase caste politics. “When a film makes Rs 500 crore, there’s an instant noise; people want to explore that genre, like horror-comedy after Stree. But how much does critical acclaim matter to producers and studios when a film talks about caste in such a strong way?” she questioned.

Also Read | Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi’s Dhadak 2 seethes with the rage of filmmaker Shazia Iqbal

Story continues below this ad

“How much does it influence them to come out? Do they feel the need to make socially relevant films and talk about caste loudly in our films? It hasn’t even been there subtly. We have taken more time, but I hope it happens for the sake of storytellers and filmmakers,” the director added.

Shazia Iqbal also expressed happiness at receiving praise from filmmaker Payal Kapadia, whose film All We Imagine As Light won big at Cannes. She said, “The filmmaking community is really happy. I was surprised to wake up to Payal Kapadia tagging me in her Story, calling Dhadak 2 an important, landmark film. She is on the other extreme of it and such an important voice.”

Also Read | Dhadak 2: Shazia Iqbal destroys ancient Bollywood Dharma in the best Karan Johar production since Jigra

Dhadak 2 has earned only around Rs 20 crore in its first 10 days in theatres, facing stiff competition from films like Son of Sardaar 2 and Saiyaara. The movie, a remake of the Tamil hit Pariyerum Perumal, is produced by Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Cloud 9 Pictures.

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.

ECI can include citizens and exclude non-citizens as voters: SC

India2 hr ago

The Supreme Court criticized the Election Commission of India's self-declaration of citizenship for voter list inclusion, citing potential legal issues. They also questioned the ECI's refusal to accept Aadhaar and EPIC cards and stated that citizenship should not be determined by the ECI. The court also heard challenges to the ECI's special revision in Bihar, alleging mass disenfranchisement.

View all shorts

More Entertainment

Entertainment 'I had tussles with Salman on Tiger,' Kabir Khan recounts how he cast the superstar in Bajrangi Bhaijaan: 'Salman feels very strongly about secularism'