Harinder Sikka has launched a scathing critique of Meghna Gulzar’s adaptation of his acclaimed novel Calling Sehmat into the film Raazi, calling it his “gravest misjudgment.” Released in 2018 and starring Alia Bhatt, Raazi was a critical and commercial success, yet Sikka’s dissatisfaction has lingered since 2020.
Sikka, who describes Calling Sehmat as one of the top espionage novels globally, alleges that Gulzar’s portrayal diminished the true spirit of the protagonist. He stated, “The way Meghna Gulzar twisted the story through a leftist lens still pains me deeply.” This ideological bias, he claims, altered the essence of the narrative.
Despite warnings from others about trusting Gulzar, Sikka proceeded with the collaboration, a decision he now regrets. “Errors don’t always come from stupidity. They often come from underestimating how shrewd or deceitful someone can be,” he remarked, reflecting on his experience.
Additionally, Sikka has criticized Gulzar’s portrayal of Sam Manekshaw in the film Sam Bahadur, further expressing his dissatisfaction with her directorial choices. His literary works continue to resonate with readers worldwide, and more adaptations of his books are currently in the pipeline.
The film Raazi tells the gripping story of an Indian spy married into a Pakistani military family during the 1971 war, a narrative that resonated with audiences. However, Sikka’s ongoing critique raises questions about the fidelity of adaptations in cinema.
As Sikka’s voice grows louder in the film industry, observers are left wondering how this will impact future collaborations and adaptations. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential responses from Gulzar or the film’s production team.
