The success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge isn’t just rewriting box office records—it’s now fueling a larger debate around storytelling, patriotism, and cinematic intent. And right in the middle of it, a surprising voice has added fresh controversy.
Harinder Singh Sikka, the man behind Calling Sehmat, has openly criticised Meghna Gulzar—years after she directed the acclaimed film Raazi.
Dhurandhar’s Success Reignites An Old Debate
Directed by Aditya Dhar and led by Ranveer Singh, the Dhurandhar franchise has become one of the biggest cinematic events of the year. But beyond its massive collections, it has triggered divided reactions.
Some viewers see it as a bold, patriotic spy saga. Others argue it leans too heavily into propaganda.
This ongoing conversation seems to have pushed Harinder Singh Sikka to revisit his long-standing concerns about how espionage stories are adapted for the screen.
“My Gravest Misjudgment” — Author Targets Raazi Director
Taking to social media, Sikka didn’t hold back.
He described appointing Meghna Gulzar as the director of Raazi as his “gravest misjudgment,” claiming the film diluted the original spirit of his novel. According to him, the adaptation introduced an ideological lens that, in his view, altered the portrayal of the protagonist and the larger narrative.
He also suggested that important elements from his book—particularly those highlighting geopolitical tensions—were either softened or omitted in the film version.
Extending Criticism Beyond Raazi
Sikka didn’t limit his remarks to just one film.
He also took aim at Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur, alleging that it too avoided certain controversial aspects related to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw’s life. His comments reflect a broader frustration with how historical and real-life inspired stories are interpreted on screen.
According to him, these choices end up “bending truth” and undercutting the essence of real-life figures.
Why Speak Now?
Interestingly, Sikka clarified that these aren’t new opinions. He claims he has been voicing similar objections since Raazi released in 2018, but feels the message didn’t reach a wider audience back then.
With Dhurandhar dominating headlines and reigniting discussions around nationalism in cinema, his remarks have now found renewed attention.
Two Films, Two Approaches To Patriotism
What makes this moment interesting is the contrast.
Raazi, starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, was widely praised for its restrained, human approach to espionage. It focused more on emotional conflict than overt nationalism.
On the other hand, Dhurandhar embraces scale, intensity, and a more direct portrayal of national conflict—something that resonates strongly with a section of the audience while raising questions for others.
A Debate That’s Bigger Than One Film
At its core, this isn’t just about Raazi or Dhurandhar. It’s about how stories rooted in real events are told—and who gets to decide the tone.
Should filmmakers stick closely to source material, or reinterpret it for a broader audience?
Should patriotism be subtle, or front and centre?
There are no easy answers. But as films like Dhurandhar: The Revenge continue to dominate both box office and conversation, debates like this are only going to get louder.
