In an ambitious move that could reshape Bollywood storytelling, writer-producer Kanika Dhillon is planning to create an interconnected cinematic universe spearheaded by strong female characters. With hits like Manmarziyaan (2018), Kedarnath (2018), and Haseen Dillruba (2021) under her belt, Kanika is not a stranger to developing well-rounded and compelling female leads. Now, she aims to take it a step further by bringing these characters together into one expansive, interconnected universe.
Kanika Dhillon, known for infusing vigor and complexity into her female characters, has been imagining the potential interaction between her distinctive creations. For instance, what if Kangana Ranaut’s quirky Bobby from Judgementall Hai Kya (2019) crossed paths with Taapsee Pannu’s fiery Rani from Haseen Dillruba (2021)? This intriguing thought has been a subject of much fascination for Dhillon and it seems, fans might not have to imagine for much longer.
The journey began when Haseen Dillruba, a mystery thriller starring Taapsee Pannu, became the most-watched Hindi film on Netflix in 2021. This immense popularity led to the conception of its sequel, Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba. Meanwhile, Dhillon turned producer with her production house Kathha Pictures launched in 2023, and her upcoming film, Do Patti, features Kajol as a cop on a mission to apprehend Kriti Sanon’s character, Saumya Sood. According to sources, these two projects might not be the only instances we see these strong female characters lead the screen—Kanika is contemplating a crossover universe where these characters coexist and occasionally, their worlds collide.
“Kanika is planning to create a cinematic crossover universe with certain characters soon,” a source revealed. “While the genres of these films differ significantly, what unites these characters are their qualities—they’re fierce, decisive, and unafraid to make mistakes.”
Dhillon herself has expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter in her career. She elucidates, “My women are imperfect, strong-headed, and make stupid decisions. There is a natural tendency to create these characters that resonate with people. I have some strong female-led stories in the pipeline, but it’s a bit early to talk about the star cast.”
Given the fond reception of Rumi from Manmarziyaan, Rani from Haseen Dillruba, and Bobby from Judgementall Hai Kya, the idea of these characters sharing screen space is thrilling.
. “The upcoming parts will hopefully receive as much love. So, isn’t it the best time to bring unique stories and strong characters to cinemas?” Kanika added.
This new venture seems to be inspired by the successful model of YRF’s spy universe, where distinct stories intersect through shared characters. However, this universe will leverage Dhillon’s knack for crafting diverse female personas. The excitement doesn’t just lie in bringing these characters together, but in the potential narratives that could emerge from their interactions. What kind of dynamics might Rani and Saumya develop? How would Bobby, with her unconventional eccentricities, blend into their world?
Dhillon’s cinematic universe also promises to challenge the conventional representation of female protagonists in Bollywood. In an industry still grappling with gender norms and biases, creating a universe dominated by flawed, strong, and complex women is a progressive step. These characters don’t just break stereotypes; they redefine what it means to be a female lead in Bollywood.
Having shown her capability in screenwriting and directing, Dhillon’s transition to producing is marked by an unwavering focus on content driven by strong female narratives. “There are a lot of strong, messy female characters in my upcoming movies,” she reiterated. “It’s time to bring these unique stories to the forefront of Indian cinema.”
While the industry awaits more details on the star cast and the specific layout of this universe, the anticipation is palpable. This initiative could encourage more filmmakers to explore similar storytelling avenues, pushing the envelope on character development and narrative structure. By constructing a universe where strong women coexist, collide, and collectively drive the narrative forward, Kanika Dhillon is not just expanding her creative horizons; she is setting a precedent for what the future of Bollywood could look like.
As audiences eagerly await the convergence of these dynamic characters, one thing is clear—Bollywood is set to witness a groundbreaking reshaping of narrative conventions, all helmed by the powerhouse of talent and creativity that is Kanika Dhillon.
