Haseen Dillruba writer Kanika Dhillon said that nobody knows what’s working in the industry these days. She said that only originality will save storytellers in this day and age. The writer was speaking the 7th edition of the Indian Screenwriters Conference (ISC) hosted by the Screenwriters Association of India (SWA) on Friday.

Kanika said, “When I came in it was a star-driven system. The business would dictate what would be made and what not. That understanding has gone for a toss because now even a superstar cannot guarantee footfall in a theatre. Now, the fee structure is breaking. We're in a content-driven business. We're not making enough films. Nobody knows what's working and the audience is asking for more.”

She added, “The horse is before the cart and in this business, it is storytelling. That way it is a good time for storytellers but originality in this day and age will save you.”

Kanika said in the current climate, IP is never with the creator but with producers and hence they need to become more than just screenwriters. Recalling her screenwriting debut with Manmarziyaan in 2018, Kanika ensured she was also the "creative producer" on the Anurag Kashyap directorial, which starred Taapsee Pannu, Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal. "Now talks are on for Hasseen Dillruba 3, but if I had not been a creative producer on the film, chances are I would not have found out directly about it but through other sources," she added.

At the conference, she was joined by Pathaan dialogue writer Abbas Tyrewala, Stree 2 writer Niren Bhatt and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 writer Aakash Kaushik. The session was moderated by Hitesh Kewalya, writer of Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan.