Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions may be best known for its blockbuster romance and grandeur, but over the past decade, the banner has carved a parallel legacy—one rooted in powerful storytelling, real characters, and socially relevant narratives. With Dhadak 2 now on the horizon, the studio is continuing its commitment to content that connects beyond the surface.
My Name is Khan: Breaking stereotypes with empathy
Released in 2010, My Name is Khan was a landmark film in Dharma’s history. Directed by Karan Johar and starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, the film tackled post-9/11 Islamophobia through the lens of a man with Asperger’s Syndrome. It resonated deeply with global audiences and remains one of Dharma’s most critically acclaimed projects.
Raazi: A quiet patriot’s story
In 2018, Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi, starring Alia Bhatt, became another turning point. Based on Harinder Sikka’s novel Calling Sehmat, the film told the story of an Indian spy who marries into a Pakistani military family to serve her country. The film was praised for its restrained storytelling and emotional impact, and went on to become one of the year’s biggest hits.
Gunjan Saxena: A biopic that inspired young India
With Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Dharma brought the inspiring real-life journey of one of India’s first female combat pilots to screen. Janhvi Kapoor played the titular role, supported by a cast that included Pankaj Tripathi. Released during the pandemic directly on OTT, the film was appreciated for its message of gender equality and determination.
Kesari Chapter 2: A courtroom battle rooted in colonial injustice
A spiritual successor to Kesari, Kesari Chapter 2 took the franchise in a new direction. This time, the story followed a determined South Indian lawyer fighting for justice in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film merged personal struggle with national trauma, offering a hard-hitting legal drama set against the backdrop of colonial repression. Its critical and commercial success proved Dharma’s strength in adapting historical narratives with a contemporary lens.
Dhadak 2: A new generation, a deeper narrative
With Dhadak 2, Dharma reinvents the franchise by bringing in fresh voices. Starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, and directed by Shazia Iqbal, the sequel is expected to explore the intersection of caste, class, and romance in modern India. This bold departure from the original shows Dharma’s continued evolution as a studio that doesn’t shy away from complex themes.
Dhadak 2 Set To Release On August 1
Directed by Shazia Iqbal, Dhadak 2 is produced by Karan Johar, Umesh Kumar Bansal, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Meenu Aroraa, Somen Mishra, and Pragati Deshmukh. The film is backed by Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Cloud 9 Pictures. It is slated to hit theatres on August 1, 2025.
(Also read: Dhadak 2: Amitabh Bachchan Sends His Wishes as Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri’s Trailer Wins Hearts)
Stay tuned with us for the latest news, Hindi box office news, Hollywood news, OTT news, the latest Bollywood news, and the latest box office news.
Related