The Hindi Remake of Sairat: Dhadak and Its Impact

The Indian film industry is rich with remakes across various languages and cultures, one of which is the Hindi remake of the Marathi film Sairat, titled Dhadak. This article explores the journey of Jahnavi Kapoor's debut film, highlighting its critical and commercial success and the impact it had on the original.

Origins and Inspiration

The 2016 Marathi film Sairat, directed by Nagraj Manjule, gained widespread acclaim for its portrayal of a tragic love story amidst caste discrimination. The film was a critical success and became the highest-grossing Marathi film of all time, grossing over INR 110 crore and winning 11 Filmfare Marathi Awards, including Best Director and Best Debut Actress for Rinku Rajguru.

The Birth of Dhadak

Jahnavi Kapoor, making her debut with the film, was inspired by the vibrant storytelling of Sairat and decided to ensure her debut film would be similar in essence. Her desire was brought to life when filmmaker Karan Johar approached her with the role of the female lead for the Hindi remake.

Process and Critical Reception

Director Shashank Khaitan was entrusted with the task of adapting the Marathi film for a Hindi audience. The remake, Dhadak, marked the debuts of Ishaan Khatter and Jahnavi Kapoor. It was produced by Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Zee Studios, and it cost INR 41 crore to make, grossing over INR 110.11 crore worldwide within the first few months of its release.

Although Dhadak was a commercial success, it received mixed reviews. Critics argued that it was a poor remake, as it retained the original's romantic elements but missed out on the authentic storytelling elements that made Sairat special. While Dhadak addressed the subject of caste discrimination, it was seen as a step away from the original's rawness.

Cast and Filming Locations

The cast of Dhadak included Ishaan Khatter, Jahnavi Kapoor, Ankit Bisht, Sridhar Watsar, Kshitij Kumar, and Aishwarya Narkar. The film's production was noted for its lavish cost and stunning locations, including Kolkata and Udaipur.

The original Sairat was shot in Nagraj Manjule's hometown of Jeur in the Solapur district. By choosing to shoot in such a backdrop, Manjule captured the essence of rural life and struggles that the original film highlighted.

Impact and Awards

The commercial and critical success of Dhadak did not overshadow the pioneering success of Sairat. Dhadak won Zee Cine Best Male and Female Debut Awards for Ishaan Khatter and Jahnavi Kapoor, respectively, reinforcing the significance of their debut in the Hindi film industry.

The success of Sairat motivated filmmakers to tackle socio-political issues like caste discrimination in a realistic manner. Incorporating such themes in Dhadak made it a must-watch for audiences interested in India's current social and cultural dynamics.

Conclusion

The Hindi remake of the Marathi film Sairat, titled Dhadak, marked the debut of Jahnavi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. While achieving significant commercial success, Dhadak received mixed reviews, emphasizing the enduring legacy and impact of the original film. Sairat remains a milestone in Indian cinema, captivating audiences with its raw, authentic storytelling.