Meghna Gulzar Unveils the Art of Filmmaking in Her Upcoming Project 'Daayra'

In an insightful discussion, director Meghna Gulzar elaborates on her filmmaking techniques and the themes of her upcoming project 'Daayra'. The film tackles complex societal issues through contrasting moral perspectives. Gulzar shares her approach to eliciting nuanced performances from top actors and emphasizes the importance of trust and collaboration in her directorial process. As she navigates the delicate balance of storytelling, she aims to challenge societal norms without oversimplifying the narrative. Discover how Gulzar's unique vision shapes her work and the performances of her cast.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 20, 2026, 11:08 IST

Exploring the Depths of Filmmaking

Director Meghna Gulzar has shared insights into the nuanced art of filmmaking, emphasizing how thoughtful camera angles, scene arrangement, and editing techniques can influence audience perception. In her forthcoming film, 'Daayra', she delves into intricate societal themes by presenting contrasting sides of a moral dilemma. Originally penned in 2020, the script was temporarily shelved while she dedicated her efforts to 'Sam Bahadur'. After wrapping that project, she returned to 'Daayra', intending to utilize two distinct characters to embody differing perspectives within the same legal framework, ultimately prompting viewers to grapple with the moral complexities of their decisions.

During the discussion, Gulzar also reflected on her knack for eliciting unexpected, layered performances from renowned actors like Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt, and Kareena Kapoor Khan. Critics have noted that her films often unveil a side of these performers that audiences have not previously encountered. In response, Gulzar dismissed the notion that she actively shapes her actors. Instead, she credited these performances to an instinctive rapport established during their initial interactions. She highlighted that actors choose to work with her due to a shared belief in the narrative and a collective dedication to their characters, which empowers them to perform with authenticity and emotional depth.

The Creative Vision Behind 'Daayra'

For Gulzar, the essence of her directorial style is rooted in earning the trust of her cast and audience alike. She described her relationship with actors as a collaborative partnership, grounded in the assurance that she will safeguard their creative contributions. By concentrating on the narrative and the internal logic of the characters, she enables actors to immerse themselves completely in their roles. This cooperative atmosphere, she believes, allows them to break free from their typical screen identities and deliver performances that resonate as genuine and innovative. She regards this professional relationship as her most valuable asset, diligently working to uphold the trust her collaborators place in her.

Fostering Meaningful Professional Relationships

Gulzar's dedication to subtlety has become a defining characteristic of her work, earning her accolades for her ability to navigate the intricacies of human behavior. Whether portraying the poignant vulnerability of a soldier in 'Sam Bahadur' or the quiet strength she draws out in other leads, Gulzar believes her role is to create an environment where the narrative guides the performance. By steering clear of a heavy-handed directorial approach and nurturing a culture of mutual respect, she continues to attract actors eager to take on challenging and diverse roles. As she progresses with her latest endeavors, Gulzar remains committed to the delicate art of storytelling that provokes societal reflection without resorting to simplistic judgments.