Noted screenwriter Jyoti Kapoor, the creative mind behind successful films like Badhaai Ho and Good Newwz, has voiced a strong plea for the better treatment of writers in the Indian film industry. Speaking at a recent session organized by the Screenwriters Association (SWA) in Mumbai, Kapoor emphasized that while a script serves as the essential blueprint for any film, the individuals who give birth to these stories are often the most overlooked. She pointed out that most writers essentially ask for three basic things when they collaborate on a project: due credit for their creativity, fair financial compensation, and the security of knowing their intellectual property won’t be stolen. Despite increased awareness in recent years, she lamented that writers remain far from receiving the respect and rewards they truly deserve, frequently finding themselves “short-changed” by the very industry they help build.
During the session, titled Samvaad Se Samjhauta, Kapoor shed light on the daunting legal hurdles that many writers face when dealing with major production houses. She highlighted the “dreaded” Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) that many writers are forced to sign, which often contain clauses that absolve production houses of accountability even if they produce content substantially similar to a writer’s pitched work. This power imbalance makes it incredibly difficult for creators to protect their ideas, especially when pitching to multiple collaborators over several years. Kapoor shared her own heartbreaking experience of a show she had developed for five long years being abruptly shelved without explanation, an ordeal that required significant time to heal from. She noted that such unpredictability is a common professional hazard, as she recently found solace in sharing similar stories with senior colleagues whose projects had also met untimely ends.
Beyond the issues of credit and theft, Kapoor also expressed concern over the changing creative landscape of Hindi cinema, where mid-budget “slice-of-life” films are increasingly being pushed aside in favor of massive spectacles. She revealed that producers are becoming less inclined to green-light the kind of relatable, grounded stories that made her famous, as the theatrical market shifts toward big-budget events. However, she remains optimistic that trends are cyclical and that genuine, entertaining stories will always find a way to connect with the audience. Looking ahead, the writer is preparing to expand her horizons by stepping into direction with an upcoming short film, while also working on a high-concept feature-length love story that aims to blend her signature style of comedy and drama. By speaking out, Kapoor hopes to inspire a more equitable environment where the “blueprint” of cinema is valued as much as the final spectacle.
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