Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz & said, ‘You don’t like making money’: Anurag
The world of cinema is often a battleground where creative visions clash with commercial realities. Filmmakers often face the dilemma of balancing artistic integrity with box office success. In his recent interview, Anurag Kashyap, the renowned Indian filmmaker, shared a fascinating anecdote that highlights the same struggle. It seems that Javed Akhtar, the veteran screenwriter and poet, told Anurag that if he had shown Vineet Kumar Singh’s character winning at the end of his critically acclaimed film Mukkabaaz, it would have been a commercial hit.
Mukkabaaz, released in 2017, is a sports drama that tells the story of Shravan Kumar, a young wrestler from Uttar Pradesh who faces immense challenges to pursue his passion for the sport. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of the struggles faced by Indian sportsmen and its bold storytelling. However, the film’s commercial performance was modest, and it failed to attract a large audience.
Anurag Kashyap, in his recent interview, revealed that Javed Akhtar watched Mukkabaaz and shared his thoughts with him. “He told me, ‘You’ve a problem. You don’t like making money’,” Anurag said. It seems that Akhtar was of the opinion that if the film had ended on a more conventional note, with the protagonist emerging victorious, it would have been a commercial success. However, Anurag refused to compromise on his artistic vision, opting to show the harsh realities of Indian sports instead.
For Anurag, the decision to show Vineet Kumar Singh’s character facing defeat at the end of the film was a deliberate choice. He wanted to portray the reality of Indian sports, where talent and hard work are often not enough to guarantee success. The film’s ending, which shows Shravan Kumar’s dreams being crushed, was a powerful commentary on the state of Indian sports and the struggles faced by athletes.
Anurag’s decision to stay true to his vision, even if it meant sacrificing commercial success, is a testament to his commitment to his craft. As a filmmaker, he has always been known for his unapologetic approach to storytelling, refusing to compromise on his artistic vision even when faced with the pressure to conform to commercial expectations.
The incident also highlights the tension that often exists between artistic vision and commercial success in the world of cinema. Filmmakers often face the dilemma of balancing their creative goals with the need to attract a large audience. While some may choose to compromise on their vision to ensure commercial success, others may opt to stay true to their artistic vision, even if it means facing criticism and financial losses.
In the case of Mukkabaaz, Anurag’s decision to show Vineet Kumar Singh’s character facing defeat was a bold and courageous move. It was a powerful commentary on the state of Indian sports and the struggles faced by athletes, and it added depth and nuance to the film’s narrative. While the film may not have been a commercial success, it has become a cult classic, praised by critics and audiences alike for its bold storytelling and nuanced portrayal of the struggles faced by Indian sportsmen.
In conclusion, Anurag Kashyap’s anecdote about Javed Akhtar’s response to Mukkabaaz highlights the tension that often exists between artistic vision and commercial success in the world of cinema. While some may choose to compromise on their vision to ensure commercial success, others may opt to stay true to their artistic vision, even if it means facing criticism and financial losses. For Anurag, the decision to show Vineet Kumar Singh’s character facing defeat at the end of Mukkabaaz was a deliberate choice, a powerful commentary on the state of Indian sports and the struggles faced by athletes. The film may not have been a commercial success, but it has become a cult classic, praised by critics and audiences alike for its bold storytelling and nuanced portrayal of the struggles faced by Indian sportsmen.
