Director Navjot Gulati discusses real-life parallels and themes behind new film Pooja Meri Jaan

Filmmaker Navjot Gulati spent six years waiting for the release of his latest directorial project, Pooja Meri Jaan, which recently debuted on ZEE5 after being produced by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films. Gulati accused the production company of delaying the release while focusing on its horror-comedy universe, but he now wants discussions to center on the social issues explored in the movie rather than its administrative limbo. The courtroom drama follows a theatre actor facing legal trouble and media scrutiny for allegedly causing the suicide of a colleague who died after she turned down his marriage proposal.

Real Life Parabol

After locking the script, the director noticed a real-life situation unfolding when actor Rhea Chakraborty faced heavy media blame and arrest over the suicide of fellow actor Sushant Singh Rajput in Mumbai in June 2020. Gulati observed these live television broadcasts while writing, and he hopes Chakraborty watches the movie and feels vindicated. He chose not to approach her during production to avoid reopening past trauma. The narrative intentionally leads viewers to suspect the main character, played by Mrunal Thakur, during the first half to ensure the second half addresses multiple viewpoints and keeps audiences engaged.

Creative Choices

Huma Qureshi plays the defense lawyer Sana, whose character arc mirrors the audience's journey from doubt to belief in her client. Gulati cast Mrunal Thakur after rewatching her performance in the 2018 film Love Sonia, noting that the actor could easily relate to the character's emotional struggles. The filmmaker also views the project as a personal apology related to past personal obsessions, and he credited co-writer Kanishka Singh Deo, co-director Vipasha Arvind, and editor Sanyukta Kaza for helping shape a female-centric story. Despite societal cynicism, he chose a hopeful ending to offer respite to audiences, while maintaining that boundaries are essential for safety.

Context

Courtroom dramas and socially relevant films in Indian cinema often draw inspiration from high-profile public controversies and media trials to examine complex interpersonal dynamics and legal accountability. Such movies frequently spark public debates about modern relationships, justice, and the influence of media narratives on public perception.