Publish Date: Tue, 31 Mar 2026 (10:59 IST)
Updated Date: Tue, 31 Mar 2026 (11:02 IST)
Author Harinder Singh Sikka has strongly criticised filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, alleging that her film Raazi diluted the essence of his original espionage novel Calling Sehmat.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sikka described the decision to appoint Gulzar as director as his “gravest misjudgment,” claiming that the film adaptation failed to capture the true spirit of the protagonist.
"Calling Sehmat #Raazi ranks among the top books on espionage ever written, globally. It exposes Pakistan across border, hostile forces in Bollywood & a Punjab-based criminals within," he wrote.
"Appointing Meghna Gulzar was my gravest misjudgment. Despite clear warnings, I failed to foresee how ideological bias would end up diminishing the true spirit of the protagonist," he added.
Sikka, who authored the novel over two decades ago, highlighted that the book continues to enjoy global readership. He also mentioned that his other works, including Vichhoda, Gobind, and The Chabimaster, are currently being adapted.
He extended similar criticism to her portrayal in the biopic Sam Bahadur, based on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, claiming certain historical aspects were omitted.
“The way Meghna Gulzar twisted the story through a leftist lens still pains me deeply. Film on the legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was no different. All the ugly #CONgress acts of ill treating the Field Marshal were missing. What kind of mindset diminishes patriots by bending truth to suit an agenda?,” Sikka stated.
This is not the first time Sikka has expressed dissatisfaction with Raazi, the 2018 film that received both critical acclaim and commercial success. The movie starred Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Jaideep Ahlawat, Rajit Kapoor, and Soni Razdan.
Meanwhile, Meghna Gulzar has previously been praised for her nuanced storytelling style, particularly for avoiding one-dimensional portrayals of characters, including those from across the border.
Responding to criticism on social media about his decision to collaborate with Gulzar, Sikka remarked, “Errors don’t always come from stupidity. They often come from underestimating how shrewd or deceitful someone can be.”
He also clarified that he has been voicing concerns about the adaptation for years, adding that raising awareness was important so that audiences are not “misled.”
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