Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz & said, ‘You don’t like making money’: Anurag
In a recent interview, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap opened up about his experience of showing his film Mukkabaaz to renowned screenwriter Javed Akhtar. The film, which stars Vineet Kumar Singh as a wrestler, was a critical success but didn’t perform as well at the box office as expected. According to Anurag, Javed Akhtar’s reaction to the film was quite telling, and it highlights the commercial pressures that filmmakers often face.
Anurag recounted the conversation with Javed Akhtar, saying that the veteran writer told him, “You’ve a problem. You don’t like making money.” This comment was made after Javed Akhtar watched Mukkabaaz, and it’s clear that he was disappointed with the film’s lack of commercial success. But what’s interesting is that Anurag didn’t agree with Javed Akhtar’s assessment. According to him, he wouldn’t have made the film if he had wanted to show Vineet Kumar Singh’s character winning at the end.
So, why did Anurag deviate from the traditional winning-is-everything narrative? The answer lies in the film’s themes and the reality of Indian sports. Mukkabaaz is a film that explores the world of Indian wrestling, and it delves into the struggles and hardships faced by wrestlers who are trying to make a name for themselves. The film’s protagonist, Shravan Kumar, is a talented wrestler who faces numerous challenges on his journey to the top. Despite his best efforts, he ultimately loses to his opponent, and the film ends on a bittersweet note.
Anurag’s decision to show Shravan’s defeat was a deliberate choice, and it’s one that highlights the harsh realities of Indian sports. In a country where success is often measured by the number of medals won or the amount of money earned, Mukkabaaz is a film that challenges these norms. It shows that even the most talented individuals can face defeat, and that success is not always guaranteed.
Javed Akhtar’s comment about Anurag not liking making money is quite telling, and it speaks to the commercial pressures that filmmakers often face. In an industry where success is often measured by the box office numbers, it’s easy to get caught up in the desire to make a profit. But Anurag’s decision to show Shravan’s defeat is a testament to his commitment to telling authentic stories, even if it means sacrificing commercial success.
Mukkabaaz is a film that has received widespread critical acclaim, and it’s one that has sparked important conversations about the state of Indian sports. The film’s portrayal of the wrestling world is realistic and nuanced, and it’s a testament to Anurag’s skill as a filmmaker that he was able to bring this world to life on the big screen.
In conclusion, Anurag Kashyap’s experience with Javed Akhtar is a reminder that commercial success is not always the most important thing. As filmmakers, we have a responsibility to tell authentic stories, even if they don’t appeal to the masses. Mukkabaaz is a film that is both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, and it’s a testament to Anurag’s dedication to his craft.
