Crocodiles play key-role in 'Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba'; here's how
Writer-creator Kanika Dhillon has unveiled a unique aspect of her latest, Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba, featuring Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey, and Sunny Kaushal. Dhillon revealed to Mid-Day that crocodiles play a significant role in it. She drew inspiration from Khoon Bhari Maang (1988), stating, "I've always wanted to write a moment that would be a hat-tip to that film." In KBM, Rekha's character not only survived a crocodile attack but also befriended it to take revenge on her scheming husband.
Sequel continues the 'Pulp Fiction' love story
The romantic thriller Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba is a sequel to the 2021 film Haseen Dillruba, continuing the narrative of characters Rani and Rishu, played by Pannu and Massey respectively. The sequel introduces another suitor into their lives. According to Dhillon, "I loved creating this world of Haseen Dillruba. The audience's love was unprecedented." "The mauj comes from my artistes who tell me to make a movie that's raw and riskier. Now, we have gone bolder."
Dhillon welcomes debate over 'badchallan' dialogue
Earlier, the trailer for Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba sparked discussions about the portrayal of toxic stories, particularly a dialogue referring to Rani as badchallan (characterless). Dhillon welcomed these debates, stating, "Movies about imperfect characters and their flaws must start these conversations." "But I would feel bad if my stories are met with indifference. I love being polarising. I'm an artiste. If I have written a story, I'm aware that it is made for all factions of society."
'The film is edgy, wicked, and messy...'
Dhillon delved into the character dynamics of Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba, explaining that Rani uses love and betrayal to her advantage. However, she clarified that she doesn't view Rani as an alpha character. Instead, she says, "I am Dinesh Pandit [a bestselling novelist in the film], and Pandit's words dictate everyone's actions. He is the alpha. The film is edgy, wicked, and messy, and the audience should know this is in no way a sanitized world."
Dhillon sees Rani as a blend of herself and Pannu
Further, Dhillon shared her belief that the character Rani is a mix of herself and actor Pannu. She described Pannu as "a woman of spine, and someone who stands her ground." Dhillon also mentioned that filmmaker Anurag Kashyap once commented that she and Pannu were "mad," indicating their strong-willed nature. Note that Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba will premiere on Netflix on Friday (August 9).
