Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz & said, ‘You don’t like making money’: Anurag
Anurag Kashyap, the renowned filmmaker, has been known for his bold and unconventional approach to storytelling. In a recent interview, he shared an interesting anecdote about the feedback he received from the legendary poet and screenwriter, Javed Akhtar, on his 2018 film, Mukkabaaz. According to Anurag, Javed Akhtar watched the film and told him that if the protagonist, Shravan Kumar Singh (played by Vineet Kumar Singh), had won at the end of the film, it would have been a huge commercial success. However, Anurag was adamant that he wouldn’t have made the film to show his character as a winner because he wanted to depict the harsh reality of Indian sports.
Mukkabaaz, which translates to “boxer” in Hindi, is a sports drama that tells the story of a young boxer from Uttar Pradesh who aims to transform his life by taking on a higher caste wrestler. The film received critical acclaim for its gritty portrayal of the Indian sports ecosystem, and its nuanced exploration of themes such as caste, identity, and social inequality.
Anurag Kashyap’s decision to deviate from the traditional Hollywood-style narrative, where the protagonist usually emerges victorious, was a deliberate choice. In an interview with The Indian Express, Anurag explained that he wanted to show the harsh reality of Indian sports, where winners are not always rewarded, and the system is rigged against the underprivileged. “I wouldn’t have made the film if I wanted to show Vineet’s character winning. I wanted to show the reality of Indian sports. I wanted to show how the system works, and how it’s difficult for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds to make it,” he said.
Javed Akhtar’s feedback, however, suggests that the film’s unconventional narrative may not have resonated with every viewer. According to Anurag, Akhtar told him, “You’ve a problem. You don’t like making money.” Anurag interpreted this statement as a reflection of Akhtar’s disappointment that the film didn’t follow the traditional formula of a protagonist emerging victorious. However, Anurag was unapologetic about his decision to deviate from the norm. “I’m not a commercial filmmaker. I’m not making films for box office numbers. I’m making films for personal reasons, and for the sake of telling a story that needs to be told,” he said.
Mukkabaaz is not the first film of Anurag Kashyap’s to tackle a socially relevant theme. His previous films, such as Gangs of Wasseypur and Ugly, have also explored themes of social inequality, crime, and corruption. However, Mukkabaaz stands out for its nuanced portrayal of the Indian sports ecosystem, and its exploration of the complex themes that underlie it.
The film’s success can be attributed to its well-crafted storytelling, powerful performances, and its unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities of Indian sports. Vineet Kumar Singh’s performance as Shravan Kumar Singh, the protagonist, was particularly praised for its raw emotion and authenticity. The film’s cinematography, which captured the gritty and unforgiving world of Indian boxing, was also widely praised.
In conclusion, Anurag Kashyap’s decision to deviate from the traditional narrative of Mukkabaaz, and his refusal to show his protagonist as a winner, was a deliberate choice that reflects his commitment to telling stories that need to be told. Javed Akhtar’s feedback, while disappointing, only serves to highlight the complexity and nuance of Anurag’s filmmaking style.
