Controversies Surrounding “Tiku Weds Sheru”: Kangana Ranaut’s Script Alterations and Power Dynamics Stir Debate: The release of “Tiku Weds Sheru,” featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Avneet Kaur, has ignited a heated debate within the Bollywood industry.
Produced by Kangana Ranaut, the film premiered on Amazon Prime Video on June 23, garnering mixed reactions from audiences and critics.
However, recent reports from multiple Bollywood News websites have shed light on the controversies surrounding the film, primarily focusing on Kangana Ranaut’s extensive script alterations and the power dynamics at play during the production.
Insiders familiar with the production have revealed to Bollywood Hungama that significant changes were made to the original script of “Tiku Weds Sheru,” ultimately impacting the film’s coherence and quality. One source emphasised the disparity between the initially narrated script and the final product, stating, “There’s a vast difference between the script that was narrated v/s the final product.
The film’s flavour was something else. The impact was gone as she made so many changes. It damaged the film.” These alterations have led to inconsistencies in character development, leaving audiences perplexed and questioning the authenticity of the portrayals.
Another source pointed out a specific inconsistency that has drawn criticism, revolving around the character Tiku, portrayed by Avneet Kaur. Originally intended to be portrayed as a naive and quirky individual, Tiku’s sudden transformation into a sophisticated and articulate personality in certain scenes feels disjointed and out of place.
The source revealed, “Her character was supposed to be naïve and pagli but in the film, she comes across as very smart.” Such discrepancies have eroded the film’s coherence, leading to criticism from both viewers and reviewers.
The controversies surrounding “Tiku Weds Sheru” extend beyond script alterations, raising questions about power dynamics within the film industry. Kangana Ranaut, serving as both the producer and a self-proclaimed “super-director” on the project, has faced criticism for contradicting her previous stance on nepotism and family influence in films. The inclusion of her brother, Aksht Ranaut, as the associate producer further exacerbates concerns about nepotism, given Kangana’s vocal opposition to the practice.
The source highlighted the irony, stating, “In this film, Kangana was the super-director, and her brother Aksht Ranaut was the associate producer. And that’s ironic since Kangana was the one who raised the issue of nepotism and actors employing their family members in films.” This assertion aligns with previous controversies where Kangana ousted directors and exercised considerable control over her projects.
The source further revealed, “The film starts with Tiku writing a poem. The director was against this Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge-type scene as it made no sense and contributed no way to the film. Yet, it was added. Several changes were also made in the first half, concerning Tiku’s family and Sheru’s friend. Kangana, however, edited several of their scenes which could have uplifted the film. Sai Kabir was traumatised by these changes.”
Furthermore, the power dynamics extended to Kangana’s interactions with Sai Kabir, the film’s director. Initially addressing him as ‘Sir,’ she later started calling him ‘Tum’ and eventually ‘Tu.’ This shift in addressing the director further emphasises the imbalanced relationship between Kangana and Sai Kabir during the production of “Tiku Weds Sheru.”
Kangana Ranaut’s extensive script alterations not only affected the film’s overall quality but also had consequences for the production crew. Sai Kabir, the film’s director, reportedly felt traumatised by the changes imposed on his creative vision, contributing to a chaotic and disorganised working environment.
Additionally, during the filming of the climax scene, Sai Kabir was reportedly absent and heavily intoxicated, leaving the action director, Sunil Rodrigues, to step in and helm the sequence. This incident further highlights the challenges faced during the film’s production and adds to the criticisms of the film’s absurdity.
The controversies surrounding “Tiku Weds Sheru” have sparked outrage among the audience and intensified discussions about the negative impact of unchecked creative control and power dynamics in the film industry. Critics argue that a balance must be struck between honouring the director’s creative vision and allowing room for collaboration and open communication during the filmmaking process.
The controversies surrounding “Tiku Weds Sheru” have brought to the forefront the significant impact of script alterations and power dynamics within the film industry. Kangana Ranaut’s extensive changes to the original script, combined with her dominant position as both producer and “super-director,” have raised questions about creative control and the importance of collaborative decision-making.
The negative reception and behind-the-scenes turmoil surrounding “Tiku Weds Sheru” underscore the need for transparency, open communication, and a balanced distribution of power in the filmmaking process. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the creative vision of the director and maintaining a harmonious working environment to deliver a cohesive and engaging cinematic experience.
The controversies surrounding “Tiku Weds Sheru” shed light on broader industry issues and ignite discussions about the balance between creative freedom and collaborative decision-making within the Bollywood Movies fraternity. The fallout from this film will undoubtedly prompt the industry to reflect on these issues and strive for a healthier and more inclusive filmmaking environment.