Writer Says Meghana Gulzar Failed To Capture His Book’s Essence In ‘Raazi’
MUMBAI – Amid the resounding success of ‘Dhurandhar’, author Harinder Sikka has expressed regret over the cinematic adaptation of his espionage novel ‘Calling Sehmat’, which inspired the 2018 film ‘Raazi’, starring Alia Bhatt and directed by Meghna Gulzar.
He shared a picture of a stack of books such as ‘An Indian Spy In Pakistan’, ‘Plot, Lies & Deceit Pulwama & Balakot’, ‘Terrorism and Insurgency’, ‘Calling Sehmat’, ‘Mission Overseas’, ‘The Unending Game’ and ‘The Spy Chronicles’.
A text overlay reads, “Dhurandhar 2 gave you a cinematic glimpse. Here’s where the real story begins.”
Sikka said the book continues to rank among the most impactful espionage works globally, adding that it sheds light on cross-border tensions, hostile elements within the film industry, and criminal networks rooted in Punjab. However, he believes the film failed to capture the essence of the original narrative.
Calling the decision to bring Meghna Gulzar on board his “gravest misjudgment”, the author said that despite receiving clear warnings, he did not anticipate how ideological bias would dilute the protagonist’s true spirit on screen.
“Nearly two decades later, the book continues to leave its mark across the world. Penguin best sellers; Vichhoda, Gobind, The Chabimaster are being scripted, for our beautiful nation deserves to see the complete truth,” Sikka added.
The film and book is a true account of an Indian Research and Analysis Wing agent who, upon her father’s request, is married into a family of military officers in Pakistan to relay information to India prior to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. (IANS)
