Title: Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz & said, ‘You don’t like making money’: Anurag
The world of cinema is often a reflection of the world we live in, showcasing the struggles, triumphs, and realities of human existence. For filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, his 2017 film Mukkabaaz was an attempt to highlight the harsh realities of Indian sports, particularly the world of boxing. The film, starring Vineet Kumar Singh, was met with critical acclaim and received several awards and nominations. However, the journey of the film was not without its share of controversy, and one such incident involved the renowned lyricist and screenwriter, Javed Akhtar.
In a recent interview, Anurag Kashyap revealed that Javed Akhtar had told him that if he had shown Vineet Kumar Singh’s character winning at the end of the film, it would have been a commercial hit. However, Kashyap explained that he wouldn’t have made the film to show Vineet’s character as a winner because he wanted to show the harsh reality of Indian sports. This stark contrast in perspectives between the two industry stalwarts highlights the age-old debate between artistic integrity and commercial success.
Mukkabaaz tells the story of Shravan Kumar, a young boxer from Uttar Pradesh who dreams of representing India at the national level. However, his journey is fraught with challenges, including corruption, nepotism, and the exploitation of athletes by coaches and officials. The film is a scathing critique of the state of Indian sports, and Kashyap’s decision to show Shravan’s character struggling to achieve his goals is a deliberate choice to reflect the harsh realities of the sport.
Anurag Kashyap has always been known for his unapologetic approach to filmmaking, and Mukkabaaz is no exception. The film’s success can be attributed to Kashyap’s bold storytelling and his refusal to compromise on his artistic vision. In an industry where commercial success often takes precedence over artistic integrity, Kashyap’s decision to show the darker side of Indian sports was a risk worth taking.
Javed Akhtar’s comment, while seemingly harsh, highlights the pressure that filmmakers face to produce commercially viable content. In an industry where box office numbers are often the benchmark of success, filmmakers are constantly under pressure to produce films that appeal to a wide audience. However, this pressure can often lead to compromised storytelling and a watering down of artistic vision.
Anurag Kashyap’s response to Akhtar’s comment is telling. He said that he wouldn’t have made the film to show Vineet’s character as a winner because he wanted to show the reality of Indian sports. This response highlights Kashyap’s commitment to his artistic vision and his refusal to compromise on his storytelling. By showing the harsh realities of Indian sports, Kashyap is able to create a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the sport, rather than relying on tired tropes and clichés.
The debate between artistic integrity and commercial success is one that has been raging in the film industry for decades. While some filmmakers prioritize commercial success, others prioritize artistic integrity. For Anurag Kashyap, his decision to show the harsh realities of Indian sports in Mukkabaaz was a deliberate choice to reflect the harsh realities of the sport.
In conclusion, the story of Javed Akhtar’s comment to Anurag Kashyap after watching Mukkabaaz highlights the age-old debate between artistic integrity and commercial success. While Akhtar’s comment may have been harsh, Kashyap’s response is a testament to his commitment to his artistic vision. By refusing to compromise on his storytelling, Kashyap is able to create a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of Indian sports, one that is both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
