Ahead Of Daayra, Decoding How Meghna Gulzar Broke The Mould With New Characters In Films

Meghna Gulzar’s filmography includes both critically and commercially acclaimed movies. The filmmaker is currently gearing up for the release of Daayra, an investigative crime thriller. Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kareena Kapoor Khan in lead roles, the movie will be theatrically released on September 18. For this film, Kareena has taken up the role of DCP Ajooni Kohli, while Prithviraj essays the character of DCP Raman Kumar. Ahead of Daayra’s silver screen release, here’s looking at how director Meghna broke the mould with varied characters in her directorials.

In  , Kareena plays the role of DCP Ajooni Kohli, who believes in the law and due process. Prithviraj’s DCP Raman Kumar, on the other hand, essays the part of an officer who represents far more uncompromising idea of justice. Both are responding to the same horrific crime, but their understanding of what justice demands is fundamentally different. Meghna uses this contrast to create characters driven by conviction. Ajooni’s adherence to the law is not merely a professional trait, just as Raman’s approach is not simple about aggression.

When it comes to Raazi, Alia Bhatt essayed the character of Sehmat, while Vicky Kaushal was seen as Iqbal Syed. Alia’s Sehmat was a young woman thrust into an extraordinary situation and forced to find her way through it. The vulnerability is central to her role. Vicky’s Iqbal, on the other hand, is someone who takes care of Sehmat. That said, he isn’t merely the man on the other side of Sehmat’s mission. The characters are hence not simply spy and husband.

Directed by Meghna Gulzar,  was a crime thriller featuring Irrfan Khan and Konkona Sen Sharma. Late Irrfan essayed the role of Ashwin Kumar, while Konkona was seen as Shonali Bose. The late actor’s character was intelligent and instinctive, but he was not presented as an all-knowing detective. On the other hand, Shonali existed in same world of uncertainty, adding another perspective to a case that refuses to settle into one definitive narrative.

Talking about Sam Bahadhur, Meghna’s film was based on India’s first field Marshal. Vicky Kaushal played the titular role in the biographical drama, where Sam Manekshaw was not only portrayed as a formidable military leader, but the writing also paid attention to his personality, wit, relationships and vulnerabilities. On the other, Sanya essayed the character of Silloo Manekshaw. Their relationship took Sam outside the military world and allowed audiences to see the person behind the public figure.

In Chhaapaak, Deepika Padukone played the role of an acid attack survivor. However, it is not where her character begins or ends. The film followed the journey through survival, recovery, relationships, anger, hope and the process of reclaiming her identity. What made the character so thoughtfully written was the space Meghna gives her beyond her trauma.