Title: Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz & said, ‘You don’t like making money’: Anurag
The world of cinema is known for its subjective opinions and criticisms. Filmmakers and writers often face harsh comments and suggestions from industry veterans, and sometimes, these comments can be quite revealing. Recently, Anurag Kashyap, the renowned filmmaker, shared a fascinating anecdote about his film, Mukkabaaz, and the feedback he received from the legendary screenwriter Javed Akhtar.
In an interview, Anurag Kashyap revealed that Javed Akhtar, after watching Mukkabaaz, told him, “You don’t like making money.” This statement might seem cryptic at first, but it is actually a reflection of Akhtar’s perception of the film’s theme and the choices Anurag made while making it.
Mukkabaaz, released in 2018, is a sports drama that tells the story of Shravan Kumar, a young wrestler from Uttar Pradesh who faces several challenges while pursuing his passion. The film received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of Indian sports and the struggles of athletes. However, it is crucial to note that the film’s ending is not a conventional one, with Shravan Kumar ultimately losing his big match.
Anurag Kashyap’s decision to end the film on a losing note has been a topic of discussion among viewers and critics. While some appreciated the film’s realism, others felt that it would have been more engaging if Shravan had won the match. It is in this context that Akhtar’s comment makes sense.
In the interview, Anurag Kashyap explained that he made the conscious decision to show Shravan losing his big match because he wanted to highlight the harsh realities of Indian sports. He believed that the Indian sports ecosystem is often plagued by corruption, nepotism, and favoritism, and that winning is not always the only goal.
“We wanted to show the reality of Indian sports, not just the romanticized version of it,” Anurag said. “If I had shown Shravan winning, it would have been a very conventional film. But I wanted to show the struggles, the failures, and the disappointments that come with pursuing a dream in India.”
Akhtar’s comment, “You don’t like making money,” suggests that he felt Anurag’s decision to show Shravan losing was a deliberate choice to eschew commercial success. Perhaps Akhtar believed that a more conventional ending would have appealed to a broader audience and resulted in higher box office numbers.
However, Anurag’s stance on this issue is clear. He would not have made the film to show Shravan as a winner because he wanted to highlight the reality of Indian sports. For him, the story of Mukkabaaz is not about a triumphant victory, but about the struggles and setbacks that athletes face in the country.
It is worth noting that Anurag Kashyap has always been known for his bold and unconventional filmmaking style. His films often tackle complex themes and explore the darker aspects of human nature. Mukkabaaz is no exception, and its realistic portrayal of Indian sports has resonated with many viewers.
Akhtar’s comment, while seemingly critical, can also be seen as a testament to Anurag’s commitment to his artistic vision. By refusing to compromise on his creative decisions, Anurag has managed to create a film that is both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
In conclusion, Javed Akhtar’s comment to Anurag Kashyap after watching Mukkabaaz serves as a reminder that filmmaking is a subjective process. While opinions may vary, Anurag’s decision to show Shravan losing his big match is a testament to his commitment to telling a realistic story. As Anurag himself said, “We wanted to show the reality of Indian sports, not just the romanticized version of it.”
