Author Harinder Sikka criticizes 'Raazi' filmmaker Meghna Gulzar amid Dhurandhar's success
The recent buzz surrounding Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller duology Dhurandhar has reignited conversations about Bollywood’s portrayal of espionage and the complex India–Pakistan dynamic on screen. As audiences flock to theatres for the Ranveer Singh starrer, the genre has found itself back in the spotlight along with past films that explored similar themes.
Amid this renewed interest, author Harinder Sikka, whose novel Calling Sehmat inspired the 2018 film Raazi, has publicly expressed strong criticism of the film and its director through a series of posts on X.
Sikka did not hold back in his assessment. He wrote,
"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. 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. 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."
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.
Appointing Meghna Gulzar was my gravest misjudgment. Despite clear warnings, I failed to… pic.twitter.com/RZHxAwdmSq — Harinder S Sikka (@sikka_harinder) March 29, 2026
His remarks triggered a wave of responses online, prompting the author to engage directly with users who questioned his stance and timing. Responding to one user who suggested he realized the issue too late, Sikka acknowledged the criticism, stating,
"I agree with you. It was my fault. I was told by many people not to trust Meghna Gulzar, that she was a leftist, etc. But I couldn’t believe it. Now I remember the golden words I should’ve learnt from before. ‘Trust, but verify.’"
I agree with you. It was my fault. I was told by many people not to trust Meghna Gulzar, that was a leftist etc. But I couldn’t believe it.
Now I remember the golden words I should’ve learnt from before.
‘Trust, but verify.’ https://t.co/DZUmH3sNXJ — Harinder S Sikka (@sikka_harinder) March 29, 2026
In another exchange, when questioned about why he placed trust despite warnings, he remarked,
“Errors don’t always come from stupidity. They often come from underestimating how shrewd or deceitful someone can be.”
Errors don’t always come from stupidity. They often come from underestimating how shrewd or deceitful someone can be.
You see the sign: “Wet Paint.” Your brain believes it, but your instinct tests it.
And once you touch, the mark stays.
Trust misplaced leaves stains, that time… https://t.co/wd4vIuUXuY — Harinder S Sikka (@sikka_harinder) March 30, 2026
Sikka also addressed comments questioning the timing of his criticism, particularly in light of the success of Dhurandhar, another espionage drama set in Karachi’s Lyari. He responded,
“Sir, I have been saying this for past many years, aware that the message doesn’t reach the masses in one go. Creating awareness so that the people don’t get defrauded,” he added.
This is not the first instance of Sikka voicing dissatisfaction with the film adaptation. Back in 2020, he had alleged that the movie took significant creative liberties that altered the narrative of his book. He also claimed that he was not given proper credit for his work.
Despite the repeated criticism, the filmmaker has not publicly responded to any of these allegations.
- With inputs from agencies
