Harinder Sikka has sharply criticized 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 both a critical and commercial success, yet Sikka’s dissatisfaction has persisted since 2020.
Sikka described Calling Sehmat as among the top books on espionage ever written globally, emphasizing that the film’s portrayal fell short of capturing the true essence of the protagonist. He alleged that ideological bias diminished the story’s spirit, stating, “The way Meghna Gulzar twisted the story through a leftist lens still pains me deeply.”
Despite warnings from others not to trust Gulzar, Sikka expressed regret over their collaboration, saying, “Errors don’t always come from stupidity. They often come from underestimating how shrewd or deceitful someone can be.” His criticism extends beyond Raazi; he has also voiced dissatisfaction with Gulzar’s portrayal of Sam Manekshaw in the film Sam Bahadur.
As Sikka’s literary work continues to find readers globally, more of his books are currently being adapted for the screen. His ongoing critique of Gulzar highlights a significant rift between the author and filmmaker, raising questions about artistic integrity in adaptations.
Observers are keenly watching how this public dispute will impact future collaborations and adaptations in the Indian film industry. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential responses from Meghna Gulzar or her team regarding Sikka’s allegations.
