Author Harinder S. Sikka, whose novel Calling Sehmat was adapted into the 2018 film Raazi starring Alia Bhatt, has once again criticised director Meghna Gulzar over the screen version of his book. In a recent post on X, Sikka described appointing Meghna Gulzar as director as his “gravest misjudgement” and alleged that the film adaptation diluted the essence of his original story.
Author Objects to ‘Ideological Bias’
In his post, Sikka said he failed to foresee how what he called “ideological bias” would affect the portrayal of Sehmat, the protagonist of his espionage novel. He argued that the film moved away from the patriotic spirit he had intended in the book and presented the lead character in a way he did not agree with.
A Rift That Is Not New
This is not the first time Sikka has spoken out against Raazi. Reports note that he had earlier raised similar objections in 2020, accusing the adaptation of changing the tone and core message of Calling Sehmat. His latest remarks have revived that long-running disagreement over creative liberty and fidelity to source material.
Debate Rekindled Amid Fresh Buzz
Several outlets have linked Sikka’s renewed remarks to the current buzz around Dhurandhar, though that connection remains part of the wider media framing rather than something fully explained by Sikka himself. What is clear is that his comments have once again brought the Raazi adaptation debate back into focus.
No Public Response Yet
So far, Meghna Gulzar has not publicly responded to Sikka’s latest remarks.
By Manoj H