As a creative person, you have to make certain choices: Kanika Dhillon

Everytime a film works, expectations go up for everyone who is associated with it. But what happens when a project fails? Actors and directors are expected to take the blame. However, loose scripts and writers were held responsible when films such as Thugs of Hindostan and Zero, both 2018, failed to make a mark.

When asked how much onus lies with the writer of the film, screenwriter and author Kanika Dhillon says she can’t talk about other films but only for her work.

Kanika, who had a good run last year with films such as Manmarziyaan and Kedarnath, feels that “every film and its journey is different”.

Asked how adversely the controversy surrounding Kedarnath affected her, Kanika says she is “open to criticism” but at the same time, she stands by her story. A section of society felt that the story promoted ‘love jihad’.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion. The fact that people accepted these films and liked them is more than enough for me,” says Kanika, adding that the success of both her films in 2018 has been motivating.

The writer adds that whenever she watches her films, she always feels there’s room for improvement. “However, as a creative person, I realise that you have to make certain choices. I write stories for everyone but, yes, at times they are directed towards a certain audience. So, if the film reaches them, I am happy,” says Kanika, who has also penned the story, screenplay and dialogues for the upcoming film, Mental Hai Kya and is ready with two more films that are expected to go on floor this year.

Author and screenwriter Kanika Dhillon wrote the script for Kedarnath (2018), which was caught amidst controversy