Tigmanshu Dhulia Apologises To Ishita Dutta For Cutting Her Role In Ghamasaan: ‘When I Was Editing…’

At the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival premiere of Ghamasaan, director Tigmanshu Dhulia apologised to actress Ishita Dutta for shortening her role in the film. But what prompted the filmmaker to make such cuts?

Ghamasaan, starring Arshad Warsi, Pratik Gandhi and Ishita Dutta in key roles, premiered at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival on October 20. Based on real-life events, the film garnered an enthusiastic response from the audience at a suburban multiplex, with its cast and crew present for the screening.

Following the screening, there was a casual discussion among the cast and crew. Ishita, who portrays Pratik Gandhi’s wife, shared her excitement about being part of Ghamasaan, according to a report by Bollywood Hungama. It was particularly special for her, as this marked her first film festival screening, and she revealed that she had watched the entire film for the first time that day.

However, the highlight of the conversation came when Tigmanshu Dhulia made a startling revelation. Addressing the audience, he publicly apologised to Ishita, saying, “I would like to apologise to Ishita in front of everyone. She had a lengthy role, but I cut it down a lot.” He explained that the decision stemmed from budget constraints, adding, “There was a reason behind it. In the process, the producers also went through a loss.”

He further talked about his decision to cut down Ishita’s role and mentioned that he initially gave her character the profession of a forest officer. While editing, he felt the profession wasn’t suiting the character’s femininity. “I had initially given her character the profession of a forest officer. But when I was editing, I felt that while showing her as a forest officer, her femininity was going away. Ladki ka jo pyarapan hai na, woh gayab ho raha tha. So, I completely removed her profession,” he said.

Emphasising that his decision to cut down the role was correct, Tigmanshu Dhulia added, “That’s why the scenes between the husband and wife look so lovely in the film. So, my decision was good, but (pointing towards Ishita) I am so sorry.” Once he was done with the revelation, Ishita gestured that she didn’t mind it.

Produced by Jio Studios, Ghamasaan will get a theatrical release in the first quarter of 2025. Another Bollywood Hungama report quoted producer Abhayanand Singh as saying, “Ghamsaan will be coming to theatres in the first quarter of 2025. It’s a theatrical release. Please spread the word.”

In the film, Arshad Warsi will star as a dacoit, while Pratik Gandhi will play the role of STF (Special Task Force) officer and Ishita Dutta as his wife.