shot-button
T20 World Cup 2026 Article Details T20 World Cup 2026 Article Details
Home > Entertainment News > Bollywood News > Article > Karan Johar reacts to Dhadak 2 getting screened at Ivy League universities earning academic recognition

Karan Johar reacts to Dhadak 2 getting screened at Ivy League universities earning academic recognition

Updated on: 27 February,2026 06:50 PM IST  |  Mumbai
mid-day online correspondent |

Dhadak 2, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, has been screened at Ivy League universities including Brown and Yale. Praised by Karan Johar, the film is gaining academic attention for its exploration of caste, class and social inequality

Karan Johar reacts to Dhadak 2 getting screened at Ivy League universities earning academic recognition

Karan Johar and Dhadak 2

Listen to this article
Karan Johar reacts to Dhadak 2 getting screened at Ivy League universities earning academic recognition
x
00:00

Dhadak 2 has found a meaningful audience far beyond Indian theatres, with special screenings being held at several prestigious Ivy League universities in the United States. The film, produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions along with Zee Studios and Cloud 9 Pictures, is being recognised in academic spaces for its exploration of social themes in contemporary Indian cinema.

Dhadak 2 gets screened in Ivy League universities


Starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, the film has already been screened at Brown University and Yale University. Upcoming screenings are scheduled at Columbia University and Princeton University. At Yale, the screening was hosted by the political science department, while Brown showcased the film through its School of International and Public Affairs, highlighting its relevance to discussions around caste, class and systemic inequality.



Expressing his pride, Karan Johar shared on social media that the screenings marked “such a great moment of pride for us.” He praised director Shazia Iqbal, calling her “the soul of our film,” and credited her vision for bringing depth and authenticity to the narrative. Johar emphasised that the overwhelming respect and engagement from students and faculty reflected the film’s larger social impact.

A spiritual sequel to the 2018 film Dhadak and an adaptation of the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal, Dhadak 2 follows the story of Neelesh and Vidhi, two young individuals from different caste and class backgrounds whose relationship challenges entrenched social hierarchies. While the film experienced delays related to certification and received a modest box office response, its academic recognition has added a new dimension to its journey. The film had touched upon the serious issue of ragging, the caste biases and more. Which also lead to violence in the film that created mental health awareness for the viewers. The movie turns into a case study 

The inclusion of Dhadak 2 in university programmes suggests that it is being viewed not merely as mainstream entertainment, but as a cultural text capable of sparking meaningful conversations. Its themes of identity, discrimination and social mobility resonate strongly in academic environments where global perspectives on inequality and representation are actively explored. 

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Did you find this article helpful?

Yes
No

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

karan johar Dhadak 2 bollywood bollywood news Bollywood Entertainment Entertainment News

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK