By Passang Dolma Baraili
Dehradun, 1 Dec: The second edition of the Crime Literature Festival of India featured an engaging session titled ‘Madhumati to Baazigar: The Representation of Crime in Indian Cinema‘. Esteemed filmmaker Akash Khurana shared the stage with moderator Maanas Lal to discuss the evolution of crime writing in Bollywood.
Khurana examined iconic films such as Dharamputra, Madhumati, Kanoon, Woh Kaun Thi, Deewar, and Baazigar, offering insights into their gripping crime narratives. He revealed that Baazigar, a landmark film where Shah Rukh Khan played an anti-hero, was written in just three days. The movie redefined the depiction of antagonists in Indian cinema and remains a classic.
The session also honored the legacy of cinematic maestro Guru Dutt, whose work continues to resonate with audiences and filmmakers alike.
Speaking to the Gen Z audience, Khurana emphasized the importance of historical awareness through cinema. “Those who forget history, or those who ignore history, are condemned to regret it,” he remarked, encouraging them to see films as a tool for learning and introspection, not just entertainment.
The discussion highlighted Bollywood’s unique approach to crime storytelling, blending entertainment with social commentary.
