The majority of the HoD positions are a testosterone-induced boys’ club: Kanika Dhillon on gender disparity in film industry

Renowned for her nuanced storytelling and compelling narratives, Dhillon has carved a niche for herself in the realm of Indian cinema, captivating audiences with her unique perspective and gripping tales.

In this exclusive interview, we explore the inspiration behind Dhillon’s upcoming films, delving into the creative process that drives her storytelling. From unraveling the mysteries of “Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba” to the complexities of “Do Patti,” Dhillon provides an insider’s glimpse into the worlds she has meticulously crafted.

As anticipation mounts for the release of these highly anticipated projects, join us as we uncover the vision, passion, and innovation that define Kanika Dhillon’s remarkable cinematic journey. Stay tuned for an enriching conversation with one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary Indian cinema.

Excerpts from the Interview:

Can you share with us a bit about your journey into the world of writing and filmmaking? What inspired you to pursue this career?

I’ve always been drawn to stories and storytelling ever since I was a child. Call it a cliche, but back in the day, you’d always find my head buried in a novel. Now mix this with the immersive power of Cinema, and falling in love with the world of movies the very first time I went to the theatre – And there you have it – Writing and making films seemed like the most organic choice for me!

How do you approach the creative process when developing a screenplay or writing a story? Are there specific rituals or methods you follow to get into the zone?

For me, the primary thing while developing a story is that the core of what it’s trying to say has to appeal to me. If I’m not dying to tell this story, then maybe it’s not worth telling, personally. Whatever the genre though, one rule I stick to is- Don’t Be Boring. I believe there is no greater crime than boring an audience in a film, and so it is my constant endeavour to craft my films in a way that keeps the viewers engaged, whilst conveying what needs conveying.

Can you provide us with a sneak peek into Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba and Do Patti? What can we expect?

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba is picking up from where we left off and amping up on the absolute chaos that Rishu and Rani find themselves in, as a writer and producer I was not ready to let go of the fascinating world of Haseen Dillruba – so was really excited to write and produce part 2 …. Another character has been introduced who adds a whole new level of thrill n chaos into the story, brilliantly portrayed by Sunny.

Do Patti, on the other hand, is a different beast altogether…or should I say beauty? Set in the mysterious hills of Northern India, this is an emotional yet thrilling tale of two women who will go to any extent to uphold the values they live by. It is packed with twists you will not see coming, mixed with maybe even getting you to shed a tear or two.

How was the experience of working with the cast of both films? Were there any standout moments or challenges during the filming process?

Oh, it was an absolute explosion working with all of them! Firstly, as a co-producer on PAHD and producer on Do Patti, it is an absolute privilege to have been able to cast actors with such a stunning range…from Taapsee my old partner-in-crime (on and off screen), to the constant out-performer Vikrant, the super-talented Sunny and of course the seasoned Jimmy sir!

With Do Patti, the excitement was multi-fold as one of the most iconic women of Indian cinema graced the film – Kajol! She was a breeze to work with and has taken her character to another level, I couldn’t have been more grateful. And of course, facing off with Kajol is the brilliant and extremely talented Kriti Sanon,

All in all, my heart is filled with genuine praise for all of them, they’ve been so instrumental and supportive in making the journey of both these films smooth sailing.

Your work spans across various genres and themes. Which of your projects do you consider the most personally significant, and why?

I’d say that I feel very fortunate and grateful to have been able to create a string of films that have found their independent audience bases. Be it Mannmarziyaan, or Kedarnath…to Haseen Dillruba…and now Do Patti. All of these have been important to me in their journeys as stories. While with Manmarziyaan I got launched as a writer, with Do Patti, it’s being a producer that signifies a fresh milestone. As I kickstart this journey with Kathha Pictures, I’m looking forward to growing into this space…

You’ve collaborated with prominent directors and actors. How does the collaborative process impact your creative vision, and what have you learned from working with different industry professionals?

Every professional and every artist that I have worked with comes with their take and perspective on the story, and I thoroughly enjoy looking at the one film from these different vantage points. It helps open up the film’s world and characters, making the story more holistic and layered.

Women’s representation in the film industry has been a significant topic of discussion. How do you see the current state of women’s representation in the Hindi film industry, and what positive changes have you observed over the years?

The last couple of years have witnessed a very crucial pivot in our industry towards female-centric films. Back in the day, a producer would never be willing to invest in a project helmed primarily by a woman since it wouldn’t be enough to get people in the theatres.

But in today’s time, as our audiences have also evolved, the bar of expectations as consumers has been raised. People have started valuing the importance of stories and are intelligent enough to not be satisfied with having a woman just be a placeholder in a film.

So, even though there has been a recent shift in the kind of stories we are telling, and having more female-centric stories take up space, I think it comes as a result of women occupying more spaces behind the camera as well. Women are entering spaces they earlier didn’t have access to, and that is simply being reflected on the screen.

Have you faced any specific challenges as a woman in the industry? How do you navigate these challenges, and what advice do you have for aspiring female writers and filmmakers?

Yes. While the industry and our times deem themselves as progressive, I still see that the majority of the HoD positions are a testosterone-induced boys’ club. Starting as an AD, I often found myself to be one of the only female members of the film crew on sets. In higher positions now, while a lot of females are making their footing, it is still an uphill task to make a mark. A lot of the male authorities often display a lack of confidence in judgment, and as a woman, the fight to prove your point is three times more than a male counterpart…who may even have less experience than you.

My word to the women writers and filmmakers is simple – Don’t fear raising your voice for what you believe in, and don’t let anyone make you believe you are not good enough. Thankfully times are changing, even though slowly, they are. I see a lot of female-led and women-held blockbusters killing at the box office very soon!

Your stories often feature strong and complex female characters. How important is it for you to bring diverse and empowering narratives for women to the forefront?

I do not go to write empowered characters as such. I think I have just been so fed up with either the overdone “bubbly cheerful” characters with a lack of depth or the holier-than-thou Bharat Mata template, that I just wanted to see real women on screen. The real women I have seen in my life are formidable creatures in their own right, who are deeply flawed human beings and yet absolutely unapologetic about how they show up in the world, and I think that is something I try to incorporate in my characters which comes across as empowering.

Films have the power to influence societal perspectives. Do you feel a responsibility to contribute to social change through your storytelling? If so, how do you approach incorporating social themes into your work?

If I have a social message I want to deliver through my film, I try my best to package it in a manner that the viewer doesn’t feel they are being preached to. I don’t believe in moral policing – through my characters or my films – I prefer presenting a glimpse of reality in this world of imagination…it makes difficult subjects easier to pierce through audiences across spectrums.

As a writer, how do you anticipate the audience’s response to these films? Is there a particular emotion or reaction you hope viewers take away from the experience?

As I mentioned before, being boring in a film is a crime. So, if at any point in the film, my audience gets bored, I take that as a criticism. All I hope for when anyone is watching the film is to be moved, and entertained.

Assuming the role of a producer, I would like you to elucidate to my reader the multifaceted responsibilities associated with this position. Often overshadowed by discussions about actors and directors, the role of a producer extends beyond mere financial contributions. While some may perceive producers as primarily funders, the reality is that they are integral architects of a project. Can you please elaborate on it?

Sure, first and foremost, producers serve as the driving force behind a film’s inception. The producer is essentially responsible for getting the project off the ground and making it happen. We initiate projects, either by developing original ideas or acquiring compelling scripts that resonate with audiences.

They form the right crew as per the demands of the project and are responsible for executing the creative vision, from start to finish, overlooking every department.

Moreover, producers are entrusted with the task of navigating the intricate landscape of financing. While securing funds is undeniably vital, it is just one piece of the puzzle. We must manage budgets efficiently, allocating resources judiciously to ensure the project’s success without compromising artistic integrity.

Furthermore, producers are instrumental in marketing and distribution strategies, crafting campaigns that resonate with target audiences and maximize the film’s reach and impact.

What kind of films are you planning to produce? Is there any specific genre that you would be exploring?

I am, and always have been someone who doesn’t like sticking to a genre. So, at Kathha Pictures, we have no barriers in terms of stories or genres. Everything from drama to rom-coms, to horror and action – we are hungry for it all!

What’s more in store for us?

For that you’ll have to stay tuned…but all I can promise is some impactful entertaining stories.