“Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz & said, ‘You don’t like making money’: Anurag”
In the cutthroat world of Bollywood, where commercial success is often given precedence over artistic merit, filmmakers are constantly pushing the boundaries to create something unique and impactful. Anurag Kashyap, known for his gritty and unapologetic filmmaking style, is no exception. His 2018 film “Mukkabaaz” was a stunning example of this, a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the world of professional wrestling in India.
The film, which starred Vineet Kumar Singh as the protagonist, was a critical and commercial success, earning widespread acclaim for its raw and unflinching portrayal of the sport. However, not everyone was impressed with the film’s ending, which saw the protagonist’s defeat in the ring.
Recently, in an interview, Anurag Kashyap revealed that renowned screenwriter Javed Akhtar had a strong reaction to the film, telling him that if he had shown the protagonist winning at the end, the film would have been a hit. “He told me, ‘You’ve a problem. You don’t like making money’,” said Anurag.
This comment is not only an interesting insight into the commercial pressures faced by filmmakers in Bollywood, but also highlights the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision. Anurag Kashyap has always been known for his bold and uncompromising approach to storytelling, and it’s clear that he would not have made “Mukkabaaz” if he had to show the protagonist as a winner.
The film’s ending, which may have been seen as a departure from the typical Hollywood-style underdog story, was a deliberate choice made by Anurag to highlight the harsh realities of professional sports in India. The protagonist’s defeat is a powerful commentary on the corruption and nepotism that plagues the sport, and the struggles faced by athletes who dare to challenge the status quo.
“Making a film about sports is not about showing a hero who wins,” Anurag explained. “It’s about showing the reality of sports, the politics, the corruption, the struggle. That’s what I wanted to show in ‘Mukkabaaz’.”
It’s clear that Anurag Kashyap is not interested in making films that are solely driven by commercial success. His films are always a reflection of his own unique perspective and vision, and he is willing to take risks to make a statement.
“Mukkabaaz” is a prime example of this. Despite its critical acclaim and commercial success, the film was not a typical Bollywood blockbuster. It was a gritty and intense portrayal of the world of professional wrestling, with a non-linear narrative and a focus on the struggles of the protagonist.
But for Anurag Kashyap, this was exactly the point. He wanted to make a film that was different, a film that would challenge audiences and make them think. And in many ways, “Mukkabaaz” was a success, not just in terms of its box office performance, but also in terms of its impact on the audience.
The film sparked a national conversation about the state of Indian sports, and the struggles faced by athletes who dare to challenge the status quo. It also highlighted the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision, even in the face of commercial pressure.
As Anurag Kashyap said in an interview, “I wouldn’t have made ‘Mukkabaaz’ if I had to show Vineet’s character as a winner. I wanted to show the reality of Indian sports, and that’s what I did.”
In the end, it’s clear that Anurag Kashyap’s decision to show the protagonist’s defeat in “Mukkabaaz” was the right one. It was a bold and uncompromising choice that paid off in the end, and it’s a testament to the power of staying true to one’s artistic vision.
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