Title: Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz & said, ‘You don’t like making money’: Anurag
The film industry is often plagued by the notion that commercial success is the ultimate benchmark of a movie’s merit. However, few filmmakers have been brave enough to defy this notion and create movies that are more than just box office hits. One such filmmaker is Anurag Kashyap, who has been known for his bold and unapologetic approach to storytelling. His latest film, Mukkabaaz, is a testament to this philosophy.
In a recent interview, Anurag Kashyap revealed that renowned screenwriter Javed Akhtar had some harsh words for him after watching Mukkabaaz. Akhtar, known for his work on films like Lagaan and Taare Zameen Par, told Anurag that if he had shown Vineet Kumar Singh’s character winning at the end of the film, it would have been a hit.
However, Anurag was unwilling to compromise on his vision to make a film that would appeal to a wider audience. He revealed that Akhtar told him, “You’ve a problem. You don’t like making money.” But Anurag was unapologetic about his decision to make a film that showed the harsh realities of Indian sports.
Mukkabaaz tells the story of a young wrestler, Shravan Kumar, who faces numerous challenges as he tries to make a career in the sport. The film is a powerful commentary on the state of Indian sports and the struggles that athletes face to make a living. Anurag’s decision to make a film that shows the protagonist losing his passion and ultimately leaving the sport is a bold one, especially in a country where sports is often glorified and romanticized.
Anurag’s refusal to compromise on his vision is a testament to his commitment to making films that are true to his art. He has always been a filmmaker who has been willing to take risks and push boundaries, and Mukkabaaz is no exception. The film’s success, both critically and commercially, is a testament to Anurag’s ability to create movies that resonate with audiences.
The film’s success is also a testament to the growing appetite for nuanced and thought-provoking cinema in India. In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of independent films that are pushing the boundaries of storytelling and exploring new themes and genres. Mukkabaaz is part of this movement, and its success is a welcome development for fans of Indian cinema.
Anurag’s decision to make a film that shows the harsh realities of Indian sports is also a reflection of his commitment to telling stories that are authentic and true to life. He has always been a filmmaker who has been willing to take risks and push boundaries, and Mukkabaaz is no exception. The film’s success is a testament to Anurag’s ability to create movies that resonate with audiences and inspire change.
In conclusion, Anurag Kashyap’s decision to make a film that shows the harsh realities of Indian sports is a bold and unapologetic one. His refusal to compromise on his vision is a testament to his commitment to making films that are true to his art. Mukkabaaz is a powerful commentary on the state of Indian sports and the struggles that athletes face to make a living. The film’s success is a welcome development for fans of Indian cinema and a testament to Anurag’s ability to create movies that resonate with audiences and inspire change.
