Nikhil Mehrotra

Unfortunately, writers are often perceived to be at the bottom of the rung, having little to no say on how their material shapes up on screen. But Mehrotra says he has been lucky with Sharma and the studios he collaborated with so far. “My opinion has always mattered. Take this film for example—my opinion was sought on casting. I was expected to be there at the shoot. Dharma Productions make you feel valued. Your vision is respected, and when it is put on screen, your opinion is sought. I’m grateful to have only worked with those who value others’ creative opinions.”

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This film marks the writer’s return after the polarising Bawaal (2023), which was deemed insensitive by many for drawing parallels between a married couple’s woes and the horrors of the Holocaust. A year on, as he looks back, how did the discourse affect him? “It impacts a writer. A part of society loved it. When I met creators and writers, they asked a lot of questions. We had expected that when we wrote the film.” But is there room to make an outrageous film today? “Outrageous can have many interpretations. Due to social media, the flak and opinions have multiplied. So, we are more mindful.”