Title: Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz & said, ‘You don’t like making money’: Anurag
The world of filmmaking is often a tumultuous journey, with creative decisions being a constant source of debate and controversy. One such instance of this was when writer Javed Akhtar watched Anurag Kashyap’s critically acclaimed film, Mukkabaaz. During a conversation with Anurag, Akhtar made a rather candid remark that has left many in the industry talking. According to Anurag, Akhtar told him, “You don’t like making money.” This statement came after Akhtar watched the film and was apparently not pleased with the way the story unfolded.
For the uninitiated, Mukkabaaz is a 2018 Indian sports drama film directed by Anurag Kashyap and starring Vineet Kumar Singh and Zareena Wagh. The film tells the story of a young wrestler, Shravan Kumar Singh, who hails from a lower-middle-class family in Uttar Pradesh. Despite his passion for wrestling, Shravan faces numerous challenges and setbacks, including casteism and corruption, which threaten to derail his dreams.
When asked about the conversation with Javed Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap revealed that the veteran writer told him that if he had shown Vineet Kumar Singh’s character winning at the end of the film, it would have been a commercial success. However, Anurag was adamant that he wouldn’t have made the film if he had to show Vineet’s character as a winner. According to him, the film was made to showcase the harsh reality of Indian sports, and not to cater to commercial success.
Anurag’s statement has sparked a debate in the industry, with many questioning the role of commercial success in filmmaking. While some argue that a film’s success or failure is a direct reflection of its commercial viability, others believe that artistic integrity should take precedence over box office numbers.
Mukkabaaz is a prime example of a film that bucked the trend of conventional storytelling. The film’s narrative is raw and unapologetic, tackling issues like casteism, communalism, and corruption. The film’s success can be attributed to its unique storytelling style, which resonated with audiences and critics alike. Despite receiving critical acclaim, the film didn’t perform exceptionally well at the box office, which has led to discussions about the importance of commercial success in filmmaking.
Javed Akhtar’s statement, however, suggests that the film’s commercial failure was a deliberate choice made by Anurag. According to Akhtar, Anurag’s reluctance to show Vineet’s character as a winner was a reflection of his aversion to making money. This statement has sparked a debate about the role of artistic integrity in filmmaking, with many arguing that a filmmaker’s primary goal should be to tell a compelling story, regardless of its commercial viability.
While Anurag’s decision to show Vineet’s character as a loser may have been a deliberate choice, it’s worth noting that the film’s narrative is not just about winning or losing. Mukkabaaz is a film that explores the complexities of Indian sports, highlighting the struggles faced by athletes from lower-middle-class backgrounds. The film’s portrayal of casteism, communalism, and corruption in sports is a powerful commentary on the state of Indian society.
In conclusion, Javed Akhtar’s statement about Anurag Kashyap’s reluctance to make money has sparked a debate in the industry. While some argue that commercial success is essential for a film’s survival, others believe that artistic integrity should take precedence. Mukkabaaz is a prime example of a film that defied convention, opting for a raw and unapologetic narrative that resonated with audiences and critics alike. Ultimately, the debate surrounding the role of commercial success in filmmaking is a complex one, and one that requires careful consideration of the artistic and commercial implications of a film’s success or failure.
