Karan Johar breaks silence on Dhadak 2 delay, praises censor board's sensitivity

'Dhadak 2' explores caste-based injustice with a commitment to meaningful storytelling by Dharma Productions. The film's complex certification process highlights collaboration with the CBFC for sensitive content.

In Short

• Dhadak 2 adapts Tamil film focusing on caste discrimination
• Film faced 16 cuts before receiving certification from CBFC
• Karan Johar praises censor board's understanding and compassion

Filmmaker Karan Johar defended the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which has faced criticism for for its stringent demands on films like 'Santosh', 'Janaki vs State of Kerala' and 'Punjab 95'. Speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming film Dhadak 2, which reportedly underwent 16 cuts before receiving certification, KJo praised the board, saying it is “trying to protect sensitivity.”

At the event, Karan Johar emphasised Dharma Productions's commitment to addressing significant themes through cinema. "Dharma Productions has always been associated with a certain kind of cinema. Time and again, we’ve tried to shape our narratives responsibly. We’ve consistently chosen themes that matter, and presented them with utmost sensitivity," he said.

He discussed the power of cinema as an influential art form. "Art has the power to influence, and cinema is one of the most impressionable mediums we have," he remarked. 'Dhadak 2', described as mainstream yet daring, tackles difficult questions, particularly focusing on caste-based injustice.

The film, an adaptation of the 2018 Tamil movie 'Pariyerum Perumal', addresses caste discrimination and social exclusion. Despite the challenges faced during its delayed release, Johar affirmed his stance on truth-telling within cinema. "I’ve never feared the repercussions of telling the truth," he asserted, a sentiment echoed in the film’s trailer.

'Dhadak 2's journey to the screen was not without hurdles, requiring 16 cuts before certification. Johar praised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for their understanding and compassion, saying, "Yes, it took us a while to reach the theatres, but the censor board was understanding and compassionate. They recognised what we were trying to convey."

Acknowledging the challenges faced during the certification process, Johar explained the importance of working within the CBFC's timelines. "We respected their perspective. Sometimes, these processes take time," he explained. He highlighted the common tendency of filmmakers to work at the last minute, leading to complaints when changes are necessary.

Johar was clear that despite the extensive certification process, there were no compromises made on the film's content. "But we filmmakers often work last minute, and then complain when changes are requested. But let me be clear, there were no compromises (on Dhadak 2)," he said.

'Dhadak 2', which explores themes of caste and social discrimination, was originally slated for release in November 2024 but was pushed to March 2025 due to certification-related delays. It is now finally set to release on August 1. Directed by debutante Shazia Iqbal, the film stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri in the lead roles.

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