Title: Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz & said, ‘You don’t like making money’: Anurag
The world of cinema is not just about making movies, it’s about telling stories that resonate with people. Filmmakers often take risks to convey their message, and it’s not uncommon for them to face criticism or even rejection. Recently, Anurag Kashyap, a renowned Indian film director, shared a candid conversation he had with the legendary lyricist and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar after watching his film Mukkabaaz.
Mukkabaaz, released in 2017, is a sports drama that tells the story of a young boxer named Shravan, played by Vineet Kumar Singh, who fights against the corrupt system in Indian sports. The film received critical acclaim for its bold storytelling, cinematography, and performances. However, it didn’t quite perform as well at the box office as expected.
In a recent interview, Anurag Kashyap revealed that Javed Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz and shared his thoughts with him. According to Anurag, Akhtar told him that if he had shown Shravan winning at the end of the film, it would have been a hit. However, Anurag refused to do so, saying that he wouldn’t have made the film to show Vineet as a winner because he wanted to show the reality of Indian sports.
“What he told me was, ‘You don’t like making money’,” Anurag recalled. “I think he was right. I don’t like making money. I like making films that are truthful, that are honest, that are not just about making money.” (1)
Anurag’s statement highlights the importance of staying true to one’s art and vision, even if it means sacrificing commercial success. As a filmmaker, Anurag has always been known for taking risks and pushing boundaries in his storytelling. Mukkabaaz is no exception, as it tackles themes such as corruption, casteism, and the struggles faced by athletes in India.
Javed Akhtar’s comments also raise questions about the commercialization of cinema. In an industry where box office numbers are often the sole measure of a film’s success, many filmmakers feel pressured to make films that appeal to a broad audience. Anurag’s refusal to compromise on his artistic vision is a testament to his commitment to telling stories that need to be told, even if they don’t appeal to everyone.
Mukkabaaz is a prime example of this. The film’s gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of the Indian sports system may not have appealed to everyone, but it sparked important conversations about the state of Indian sports and the struggles faced by athletes. By refusing to sugarcoat the reality of the situation, Anurag and his team were able to create a film that resonated with audiences who appreciated its authenticity.
In conclusion, Anurag Kashyap’s conversation with Javed Akhtar serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s art and vision. As filmmakers, we have a responsibility to tell stories that need to be told, even if they don’t appeal to everyone. By taking risks and pushing boundaries, we can create films that resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
References:
(1) Indian Express. (2023). ‘You don’t like making money’: What Javed Akhtar told Anurag Kashyap after watching Mukkabaaz. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/you-dont-like-making-money-what-javed-akhtar-told-anurag-kashyap-after-watching-mukkabaaz-9918068/lite/
