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"Dhadak 2" Director Faces Backlash Over Original Film Comments

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, March 16th 2026 at 21:27 GMT by RepublicWorld
      Locale: INDIA

Mumbai, India - March 17th, 2026 - Shazia Iqbal, the director at the helm of the highly anticipated sequel, 'Dhadak 2,' has found herself embroiled in controversy following critical comments she made about the original 'Dhadak' film. The remarks, described by many as 'sinister,' ignited a firestorm on social media, culminating in Iqbal deactivating her Instagram account and altering her Twitter handle. This unfolding situation raises questions about artistic interpretation, the pressures faced by filmmakers, and the volatile nature of online reactions in the modern age.

'Dhadak 2,' slated for release later this year, is a remake of the 2019 Marathi film 'Chakde,' and stars Jahnvi Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur in the lead roles. The initial 'Dhadak' (2018), itself a Hindi adaptation of the critically acclaimed Marathi film 'Sairat,' explored themes of forbidden love and societal pressures. It featured Ishaan Khatter alongside Janhvi Kapoor. The original, while commercially successful, received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its performances and emotional impact, while others found it to be a diluted version of 'Sairat,' lacking the original's raw intensity and social commentary.

Details surrounding Iqbal's specific comments are still circulating widely online, largely through screenshots and reports before her account deactivation. While the full context is debated, the term 'sinister' appears to have been the primary catalyst for the backlash. Critics of Iqbal's statement argue that disparaging a previous work, especially one connected to the same franchise, is unprofessional and disrespectful to the actors, crew, and audience who contributed to it. Many social media users also pointed to the potential for damaging the reputation of 'Dhadak 2' before its release, suggesting that the comments were a misstep in the film's marketing strategy.

Iqbal's decision to remove herself from Instagram and change her Twitter handle can be interpreted in several ways. Some believe it's a direct response to the intense negativity and personal attacks she's been receiving. The online world can be brutal, and the constant barrage of criticism can be overwhelming for anyone, even those accustomed to public scrutiny. Others see it as a calculated move to distance herself from the controversy and avoid further fueling the fire. The deactivation effectively silences her immediate voice in the debate, allowing the discussion to potentially shift focus.

However, the silence hasn't stopped the conversation. #ShaziaIqbal and #Dhadak2 have been trending on Twitter for the past 24 hours, with users dissecting her comments, speculating about the artistic vision for 'Dhadak 2,' and debating the ethics of remakes. Online forums and entertainment news sites are flooded with opinions, ranging from staunch defense of Iqbal's right to express her artistic viewpoint to condemnation of her perceived disrespect towards the original film.

This incident highlights a growing trend within the film industry: the increasing scrutiny filmmakers face on social media. In the past, critical reception was largely confined to professional reviews and word-of-mouth. Now, a single comment can instantly become a global debate, potentially impacting a film's success. This creates a challenging environment for directors, forcing them to navigate the complexities of public perception and manage their online presence with extreme caution.

The question remains: how will this controversy impact 'Dhadak 2?' Will the negative publicity overshadow the film itself, or will it generate intrigue and drive audiences to see what Iqbal has created? Marketing experts suggest that the key lies in how the production team handles the situation going forward. A carefully crafted PR strategy that acknowledges the concerns raised while simultaneously showcasing the artistic merit of 'Dhadak 2' could potentially turn the controversy into an opportunity. Ultimately, the success of the film will depend on its quality and its ability to resonate with audiences. The incident serves as a reminder that in the age of social media, a director's comments can be just as significant as the film they direct.