Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz & said, ‘You don’t like making money’: Anurag
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s latest revelation about legendary screenwriter Javed Akhtar’s feedback on his film Mukkabaaz has left many in the industry surprised. In an interview, Kashyap shared that Akhtar had watched the film and then told him, “You don’t like making money.” This statement has raised many eyebrows, as it seems to imply that Akhtar thought Kashyap was not interested in making a commercially successful film.
Mukkabaaz, released in 2017, is a sports drama that tells the story of Sumit Singh, a boxing enthusiast who fights against all odds to pursue his passion. The film stars Vineet Kumar Singh in the lead role and received critical acclaim for its gritty portrayal of Indian sports. However, the film did not perform well at the box office, which is perhaps what sparked Akhtar’s comment.
When asked about Akhtar’s feedback, Kashyap told a leading daily, “He (Akhtar) told me, ‘You’ve a problem. You don’t like making money.’ I said, ‘No, I’m not interested in making a film that is just about making money.’ I wanted to make a film that shows the reality of Indian sports.” Kashyap’s response highlights the importance he places on storytelling over commercial success. As a filmmaker, he is driven by a desire to tell authentic stories that resonate with audiences, rather than solely focusing on box office numbers.
Kashyap’s approach to filmmaking is not uncommon in the industry. Many filmmakers prioritize artistic integrity over commercial considerations, often taking risks to tell stories that may not appeal to a broad audience. However, this approach can be risky, as it may not guarantee a successful film. In the case of Mukkabaaz, despite receiving critical acclaim, the film’s poor box office performance may have led Akhtar to question Kashyap’s intentions.
It’s worth noting that Akhtar’s comment may have been motivated by his own experiences in the industry. As a successful screenwriter and lyricist, he has been involved in the making of many commercially successful films. Perhaps he was drawing from his own knowledge of what makes a film successful, and suggesting that Mukkabaaz’s unconventional storytelling and themes were a mistake.
Despite Akhtar’s feedback, Kashyap remains committed to his artistic vision. In fact, he has said that he would not have made Mukkabaaz if he had to show Vineet’s character winning at the end. This decision was driven by his desire to show the harsh realities of Indian sports, rather than resorting to a more conventional and commercially appealing narrative.
Kashyap’s commitment to his artistic vision is admirable, and reflects his dedication to telling stories that are true to themselves. As a filmmaker, he is willing to take risks and challenge audiences, rather than compromising his artistic integrity for the sake of commercial success.
In conclusion, Javed Akhtar’s comment to Anurag Kashyap highlights the differing priorities between artists and commercial filmmakers. While Akhtar may have been motivated by a desire to make a successful film, Kashyap was driven by a desire to tell an authentic story. As an industry, we need both types of filmmakers – those who prioritize artistry and those who prioritize commercial success. However, when it comes to Mukkabaaz, it’s clear that Kashyap’s artistic vision was the driving force behind the film, and that’s something to be celebrated.
