Nikkhil Advani Stands Firm on Creative Vision Amid 'Freedom at Midnight' Season 2 Debate
Bollywood filmmaker Nikkhil Advani knows how to handle polarized reactions. For over twenty years since his debut reshaped mainstream Hindi cinema, he has consistently faced scrutiny for his storytelling choices. With Season 2 of 'Freedom at Midnight' now streaming on SonyLiv, Advani finds himself once again at the center of heated discussion. He addresses criticism directly while firmly stating that backlash has never influenced his creative decisions.
Addressing the Glossy Look Criticism Head-On
In a recent conversation, Advani spoke about the visual language of 'Freedom at Midnight'. The show returned for its second season on January 9. Some viewers and critics have argued that the series looks too polished for its serious historical subject matter. Advani rejected this charge completely.
"Whether it is glossy or not, I just decided that I don't," Advani said emphatically. He contrasted this approach with his earlier work on 'Mumbai Diaries'. That series was extremely dark and gritty. Many viewers complained they could not even see certain parts because the scenes were so poorly lit.
For 'Freedom at Midnight', the production team chose 'The Crown' as their visual reference point. They deliberately avoided heavy VFX work. "We shot on 86 different sets," Advani explained. "When you create a period show of this scale, you don't want to use rundown, badly maintained buildings from the 1940s and then fix everything with visual effects."
Historical Perspective and Adaptation Challenges
The show adapts the 1975 book 'Freedom at Midnight' by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins. Advani said he never worried about people questioning the show's perspective. "The facts are in the book, and the book has been in publication since 1975," he noted. "What remains indisputable are the actual events that took place."
He added that the series tagline perfectly captures their approach. "The history you may not know, the history you should know." This sums up their mission to present important historical narratives to contemporary audiences.
Facing Criticism Since 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' Days
Advani reflected on receiving criticism throughout his career, starting with his early hit 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan. "I got backlash for 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' too," he recalled. "People asked, what is this? They called it a bubble gummy film."
He emphasized that creators cannot make work while constantly worrying about who might be offended. "You have to follow your creative instincts," Advani stated. "Otherwise, you end up creating something that pleases no one."
Creative Freedom Through Experience
Advani believes that long-form storytelling has significantly strengthened his confidence as a filmmaker. He pointed to specific career moments that shaped his approach. "The failure of 'Patiala House' and the success of 'D-Day' allowed me to create my own production company," he explained.
He also learned valuable lessons about creative freedom during his time working with major production houses. His experiences at Dharma Productions and Yash Raj Films taught him how to balance commercial expectations with artistic vision.
Cautious Approach to Artificial Intelligence
As conversations about artificial intelligence grow louder in the entertainment industry, Advani remains thoughtful and cautious. "AI is here, and it's not going anywhere," he acknowledged. "We have to figure out how to use it correctly without losing the human touch that makes storytelling meaningful."
He sees AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity. The challenge lies in integrating technology while preserving authentic emotional connections with audiences.
Putting Creative Intent First
Nikkhil Advani says he still prioritizes creative intent over public approval. He has followed this principle since the beginning of his career. For him, storytelling begins with a clear vision that he believes in deeply. External reactions come secondary to that fundamental creative impulse.
'Freedom at Midnight' Season 2 is currently streaming on SonyLIV. The season consists of seven episodes that continue exploring India's complex historical journey toward independence. The series aims to present historical events through compelling narrative storytelling that engages modern viewers while remaining faithful to documented facts.
