Title: Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz & said, ‘You don’t like making money’: Anurag
In the world of cinema, it’s not uncommon for filmmakers to receive criticism and feedback from fellow industry professionals. However, in a recent interview, Anurag Kashyap shared a rather candid conversation he had with screenwriter Javed Akhtar after the latter watched his film, Mukkabaaz. The conversation, as described by Anurag, reveals a stark contrast between their perspectives on storytelling and, more importantly, making money.
For those who may not be familiar, Mukkabaaz is a 2017 Indian sports drama film directed by Anurag Kashyap. The film tells the story of a young boxer, Shravan Kumar Singh, played by Vineet Kumar Singh, who fights against the system to achieve his dreams. The film received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the brutal and often corrupt world of Indian sports.
In a recent interview, Anurag Kashyap shared the conversation he had with Javed Akhtar after watching Mukkabaaz. According to Anurag, Akhtar told him that if he had shown Vineet’s character winning at the end of the film, it would have been a hit. However, Anurag refused to compromise on the story, stating that he wouldn’t have made the film to show Vineet as a winner because he wanted to show the reality of Indian sports.
The conversation, as shared by Anurag, is quite telling. Akhtar’s comment, “You don’t like making money,” suggests that he believes Anurag’s reluctance to show a triumphant ending is a result of his aversion to commercial success. Anurag, on the other hand, seems to be more concerned with staying true to the story and the characters, rather than catering to box office expectations.
This conversation highlights the age-old debate between artistic integrity and commercial viability. Filmmakers often face the dilemma of balancing their creative vision with the need to appeal to a wider audience and make a profit. In the case of Mukkabaaz, Anurag Kashyap chose to prioritize the former, which resulted in a film that resonated with critics and audiences alike.
Mukkabaaz is a powerful commentary on the state of Indian sports and the systemic issues that plague the industry. By refusing to sugarcoat the reality of the situation, Anurag Kashyap’s film sheds light on the struggles faced by athletes and the corruption that pervades the system. The film’s portrayal of the protagonist’s struggles and setbacks is a testament to Anurag’s commitment to telling a honest and unflinching story.
In contrast, Akhtar’s suggestion that a triumphant ending would have made the film a hit is a stark reminder of the commercial pressures that often dictate the direction of films. The idea that a more conventional, crowd-pleasing ending would have resulted in a greater box office success is a valid one. However, it’s also important to recognize the value of taking risks and staying true to one’s artistic vision.
Anurag Kashyap’s decision to prioritize the story over commercial success is a testament to his commitment to telling meaningful and impactful stories. As a filmmaker, he has always been known for his willingness to take risks and push boundaries, and Mukkabaaz is no exception.
The conversation between Anurag and Akhtar serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision, even in the face of criticism and commercial pressure. As filmmakers, it’s essential to stay committed to telling stories that resonate with audiences and spark meaningful conversations.
In conclusion, the conversation between Anurag Kashyap and Javed Akhtar is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision. While commercial success is certainly important, it’s equally important to prioritize the story and the characters. Mukkabaaz is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact that films can have on audiences.
