Title: Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz & said, ‘You don’t like making money’: Anurag
In a recent revelation, director Anurag Kashyap shared a interesting anecdote about his film Mukkabaaz. As per Kashyap, renowned screenwriter Javed Akhtar had a peculiar reaction to the film, which left him quite perplexed. During a conversation with Akhtar after watching Mukkabaaz, the veteran writer made a comment that has left many wondering about the true intentions behind making a film.
According to Kashyap, Akhtar told him, “You have a problem. You don’t like making money.” This statement not only raised an eyebrow but also made Kashyap wonder what Akhtar meant by it. For those who aren’t familiar with Mukkabaaz, it’s a 2017 sports drama film that tells the story of Shravan Kumar Singh, a young boxer from Uttar Pradesh who aspires to become a professional wrestler. The film stars Vineet Kumar Singh, Zareena Waghayee, and Rakesh Jha in pivotal roles.
Mukkabaaz received widespread critical acclaim for its bold and unapologetic portrayal of Indian sports, particularly the world of boxing and wrestling. The film’s gritty narrative, coupled with its powerful performances, resonated with audiences and critics alike. However, it’s worth noting that the film didn’t perform exceptionally well at the box office, which might have contributed to Akhtar’s comment.
Kashyap revealed that he wouldn’t have made the film if he had to show Vineet’s character, Shravan, winning at the end. He wanted to depict the harsh realities of Indian sports, where talent and hard work often go unnoticed, and corruption and nepotism reign supreme. This bold approach, Kashyap believed, would have been compromised had he shown Shravan emerging victorious.
In a candid conversation with a leading daily, Kashyap shared, “I wouldn’t have made the film if I had to show Vineet winning. I wanted to show the reality of Indian sports. Javed saab said, ‘You have a problem. You don’t like making money.’ But I didn’t make the film to make money. I made it to tell a story that needed to be told.”
Akhtar’s comment might have been a reflection of the commercial expectations that often accompany a film’s release. In the world of Bollywood, success is often measured by box office numbers, and filmmakers are often pressured to create films that cater to a broader audience. Mukkabaaz, with its unconventional narrative and themes, was a departure from the typical Bollywood fare, which might have made it challenging to appeal to a wider audience.
Kashyap’s decision to depict the harsh realities of Indian sports, rather than opting for a more conventional and crowd-pleasing narrative, was a bold move. By doing so, he not only stayed true to his artistic vision but also created a film that resonated with those who have been affected by the issues he highlighted.
Mukkabaaz’s success can be measured beyond its box office numbers. The film sparked a conversation about the state of Indian sports, with many praising Kashyap for his courage to tackle such a sensitive topic. The film’s impact was felt beyond the cinematic world, with many athletes and sports enthusiasts expressing their gratitude towards the film for highlighting the struggles they face on a daily basis.
In conclusion, Akhtar’s comment might have been a reflection of the commercial pressures that often accompany a film’s release. However, Kashyap’s decision to stay true to his artistic vision, despite the potential commercial risks, has resulted in a film that has left a lasting impact on the Indian film industry. Mukkabaaz is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision, even in the face of adversity.
