Filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, daughter of renowned lyricist Gulzar, said Uri should not be called a propaganda film due to the jingoism it portrays and said, "It's a coincidence that Uri was released around the time of general elections. I really don’t think any filmmaker plans so much ahead.” However, good films deserve appreciation, she added.
‘Cinema Reflects Society’
In her upcoming foray behind the camera, Chhapaak, the focus is on the acid attack survivor Lakshmi Agarwal. When asked if Bollywood is responsible for dramatising narratives that lead to such incidents, Meghna said, “It’s unfair to hold Bollywood responsible. We also show very strong women and respectful men in our films. But we never get credited for that.” The society and the cinema have a symbiotic relationship and are a reflection of each other, thus, it is not right to blame either one of them, she said.
‘I Believe in Safe Spaces for Both Men & Women’
Talking about the Me Too movement that has stirred a storm in India, Meghna said that it is a grey area that has to be tread carefully with integrity, considering there is room for manipulation. “Whenever a society is on the cusp of change, it will have teething issues. But I’m glad that it is an issue that has come up to the surface and is being given the oxygen that it is getting. As far as I’m concerned, the workplace should be an equal and safe environment for both genders, not just women,” she said.
Reiterating that it is an area which should be carefully handled, Meghna said it is important to address the issue without bringing collateral damage. It is unfair to make families a part of it, she said.
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