Author Harinder Singh Sikka has once again voiced his dissatisfaction with the film adaptation of his espionage novel Calling Sehmat, taking direct aim at filmmaker Meghna Gulzar. In a recent social media post, Sikka described the decision to entrust her with the project as a major misjudgment.
The 2018 film Raazi, inspired by Sikka’s book, was both a critical and commercial success. However, the author maintains that the cinematic version did not stay true to the original narrative’s intent.
Author Raises Concerns Over Adaptation
Sikka stated that his novel, written over two decades ago, continues to receive global recognition and is considered among notable works in the espionage genre. He expressed concern that the essence of the protagonist was altered in the film due to what he described as an ideological interpretation.
According to him, despite prior warnings, he underestimated how the adaptation might reshape the story’s core message. He argued that the changes diluted the intended portrayal of patriotism and narrative depth present in the book.
Criticism Extends to Filmmaker’s Approach
The author also criticised the broader storytelling approach, suggesting that certain aspects were modified in a way that did not align with his original vision. He further alleged that similar creative liberties were taken in the portrayal of historical narratives in Sam Bahadur, which was based on the life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
Sikka questioned the omission of specific historical elements, expressing concern over how real-life figures are represented on screen.
Film’s Reception and Ongoing Debate
Despite the author’s criticism, Raazi, starring Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Jaideep Ahlawat, Rajit Kapoor and Soni Razdan, was widely appreciated for its storytelling and nuanced direction. Meghna Gulzar received praise for her sensitive handling of characters and for avoiding stereotypical portrayals.
Sikka, however, reiterated that his concerns are not new and that he has been raising them for years. He emphasized that his intention is to bring attention to the differences between the book and its film adaptation.
The discussion has once again sparked debate around creative freedom versus fidelity in literary adaptations, particularly in stories rooted in real events.
