Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani chose an unconventional approach with his film Vedaa, which addressed caste issues prevalent in rural India. Nevertheless, the film was crafted as an action entertainer, infused with considerable commercial elements. Nikkhil acknowledges that this decision was a misstep that undermined the film's integrity and authenticity. 

Nikkhil Advani on Vedaa

During the 7th edition of the Indian Screenwriters Conference (ISC), organized by the Screenwriters Association of India (SWA), Nikkhil reflected on his 2024 film, Vedaa, which featured Sharvari and John Abraham. The narrative centers on a young Dalit girl who confronts caste discrimination. The director expressed that the film, led by John Abraham and Sharvari, ultimately fell victim to the expectation of being "too entertaining" in order to attract a broader audience.

"I erred in creating a film (Vedaa) about a Dalit girl aspiring to be a boxer, whose life is disrupted by upper-caste antagonism. I was aware that a story about a Dalit girl might not draw viewers, yet I was determined to tell it. My error lay in making it excessively entertaining—infusing it with action and drama, under the impression that this would entice audiences," he stated during a discussion with writer Darab Farooqui in a session titled 'Entertainment and Social Reality: How they go hand in hand.'

When questioned about the presence of Dalit representation in the team of Vedaa to accurately portray the reality, Nikkhil remarked, "Many individuals reached out to me, sharing insights into their lives and experiences. However, the entertainment element in storytelling often compromises its authenticity."

In the panel discussion, Nikkhil Advani was accompanied by filmmaker Arati Kadav, director Dibakar Banerjee, and Prateek Vats, known for Eeb Allay Ooo!. Nikkhil further expressed his uncertainty regarding the definition of 'entertainment.' The filmmaker, recognized for his diverse works such as Kal Ho Naa Ho and D-Day, commented, "Is Manmohan Desai considered entertainment, or is it Salim-Javed? Or is what we are doing entertainment? For me, the essence lies in creating drama. Am I generating sufficient drama? Do the characters possess dignity, and is there rationale behind their actions?"

About Vedaa

Vedaa premiered on August 15, 2024. The cast included Abhishek Banerjee and Ashish Vidyarthi, alongside John and Sharvari. The film garnered mixed reviews from critics and did not succeed commercially, accumulating only ₹26 crore globally against a production budget of ₹60 crore.

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