Meghna Gulzar
- Focuses on biographical people
- Well-written script and story
Meghna Gulzar is an Indian writer, producer, and director. She is the daughter of a popular lyricist and poet Gulzar and the former popular actress in the 70's, Raakhee. Meghna first started her career as a freelance writer for the Times of India and the NFDC publication Cinema in India. In 2002, she directed her first film, Filhaal. After a few films that were unsuccessful and a hiatus of eight years, she directed the film, Talvar, in 2015 . Despite underperfoming in the box office, the film was critically acclaimed. In 2018, she directed Raazi, one of the highest grossing films in India. She has won the Filmfare awards for Best Film and Best Director. In 2020, she directed the film Chhapaak, which was critically acclaimed as well.
Meghna Gulzar's inspiration for her films is based on real-life incidents. Her first movie, Filhaal, dealt with surrogacy which was a taboo during the times that film was made. Talvar was based on a double murder case in 2008 in the truth was constantly twisted. Raazi was based on Sehmat, an Indian spy, who married into a Pakistani family because she was taught that there is nothing about your nation, not even yourself. Megna Gulzar is able to portray these stories naturally on screen. Her script and story is what makes her films captivating and entertaining.
Meghna Gulzar's steady hand gradually ramps up the tension throughout, leading to an explosive final act in this strong dramatic thriller. It also leaves you questioning the repercussions of war on the human psyche - Neil Soans, The Times of India on the film Raazi
Despite the heaviness of heart you feel while watching, writer-director Meghna Gulzar and co-writer Atika Chohan succeed tremendously in not make this a sob story, while never for a moment forgetting that Malti's existence is harder than most women... - Sucharita Tyagi, Film Companion on the film Chhapaak
Talvar
This film is based on the 2008 Noida double murder case which involved a teenage girl and the family's servant. The film showcases three perspectives: the parents that are being accused, the first CBI investigation, and the second CBI investigation from a different team. Available on Netflix
Raazi
This film is made on the novel, Calling Sehmat, which is about Sehmat, RAW agent, who marries into a Pakistani military family upon her father's request so she can relay information back to India. This film is one of the highest-grossing films in India featuring a female protagonist. Available on Amazon Prime
Chhapaak
This film is based on the real life story of Laxmi Aggarwal, an acid attack survivor. The film focuses on Malti's journey after a man throws acid in her face. This is Deepika Padukone's, who plays Malti, first time as a producer in this film. Not available in any streaming platforms yet
