Meghna Gulzar: I do not hate Pakistan, but does that mean I do not love my country?

Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi proved to be an unusual spy drama for it did not speak ill of the rival country. The dialogue of Vicky Kaushal’s character, Major Iqbal, "Abba, woh jo bhi karti rahi, apne mulk ke liye karti rahi, jaise hum karte hain (Father, whatever she does, she does it for her country. Like we do for our's)," clearly summarizes the intention of the film's makers.

Raazi review: Alia Bhatt adds another incredible story to her name

During an interview with Bombay Times, an entertainment daily, Gulzar spoke about her aim of making the film. “This is the message I wanted to put across. To love your country does not mean to hate another. The two are not related. So, okay, I may not be a Pakistan-hater, so what? Does that mean that I don’t love my country? The two are not connected. In my orbit and my soul, they’re not connected. I can love my country without hating the saamne wala [the other]. It’s as simple as that.”

Gulzar also revealed that the film is being well received by people across the border. "Pakistanis who assumed that it will run down Pakistan – when they saw it, they were surprised. They have come on social media to talk about it. This dialogue is my reward,” she added.

Apart from critics, Raazi also seems to have struck a chord with the audience. The film has earned Rs44.50 crore, approximately, in five days in India alone.