Dhadak 2, produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and directed by debutant Shazia Iqbal, promises a fresh and hard-hitting take on love across social divides. Unlike its predecessor set in Rajasthan, Dhadak 2 shifts its canvas to central and western India, choosing real, rooted locations that reflect the film’s gritty themes and emotional depth. With Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri in the lead, the film unfolds across vibrant and raw settings – from lakesides in Madhya Pradesh to bustling campuses in Mumbai.
All Confirmed Filming Locations Of Dhadak 2
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Dhadak 2 filmed extensively in Bhopal, the capital city known for its lakes, colonial architecture, and layered cultural history.
- Key spots: Upper Lake (Bhojtal), VIP Road, and alleys around Old Bhopal.
- Why here? These areas offer a mix of natural serenity and dense residential backdrops – perfect for the film’s social commentary and romantic narrative.
- Fun Fact: Locals reportedly spotted Siddhant and Triptii shooting near Bada Talab and Bharat Bhavan in late 2024.
Sehore, Madhya Pradesh
A lesser-known yet visually compelling town, Sehore was another key location.
- Significance: Sehore lends Dhadak 2 the small-town texture and rooted aesthetic necessary to portray caste realities and rural tension.
- Aesthetic Value: Narrow streets, old marketplaces, and local railway stations serve as cinematic backdrops.
Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai
Triptii Dimri was spotted shooting in full costume at this sprawling suburban campus in Mumbai.
- Used for: Urban academic scenes – possibly where one of the protagonists studies or works.
- Scene Insight: Students and staff captured glimpses of filming, suggesting that the college sequences are emotionally significant.
Film City, Goregaon, Mumbai
While no paparazzi photos surfaced, several interior scenes were reportedly shot at Film City, one of Bollywood’s most frequently used studio complexes.
- Why here? Controlled lighting, prebuilt sets (like jhopadpattis, temples, and village squares), and post-production accessibility.
What Makes These Locations Meaningful to the Story
| Location | Used For | Narrative Function |
| Bhopal | Outdoor romance, lakeside sequences | Contrasts privilege with grounded beauty |
| Sehore | Small-town, caste-based tension scenes | Adds socio-political realism to the love story |
| Somaiya Vidyavihar, Mumbai | College scenes, possibly first meeting | Highlights aspiration, youth, and urban contrast |
| Film City | Indoor sequences and reshoots | Enables controlled, high-production value scenes |
Behind the Camera: Production Timeline
- Announcement: May 2024 by Karan Johar via Instagram, introducing the cast and director.
- Principal Shooting: Began in late 2024, continuing into early 2025 across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
- Director’s Vision: Shazia Iqbal, known for her short film Bebaak, brings a grounded and female gaze to the love story, unlike the more glossy tone of Dhadak (2018).
- Release Date: Scheduled for August 1, 2025, coinciding with the Independence Day in India.
Why This Shift In Setting from the Original Dhadak?
Unlike Dhadak (2018) – which was a remake of the Marathi film Sairat and set in Udaipur – Dhadak 2 is not a remake. It features an original script and a darker tone, aimed at telling a more socially engaged and less sanitized version of young love.
- Geographic Shift: From the royal and romantic aura of Rajasthan to the lived-in realism of Madhya Pradesh.
- Visual Contrast: The open landscapes of Sehore and institutional buildings in Mumbai offer stark backdrops to themes of caste, identity, and resistance.
Summing Up
Dhadak 2 uses its filming locations not just for scenic value but to amplify its themes of love, struggle, and societal resistance. Whether it’s the hauntingly serene Upper Lake in Bhopal, the rustic charm of Sehore, or the modern vibrancy of Mumbai’s academic institutions, each location has been chosen with intent. Combined with a compelling cast and a debut director known for social realism, Dhadak 2 is all set to deliver a love story that is visually rich and emotionally honest.
