Akhtar Saw Mukkabaaz & Said, ‘You Don’t Like Making Money’: Anurag
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has always been known for his bold and unconventional approach to storytelling. His films often tackle sensitive and taboo topics, and are not afraid to ruffle a few feathers. His latest film, Mukkabaaz, is no exception. The film, which premiered at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival in 2017, tells the story of a young boxer from Uttar Pradesh who fights against the odds to become a champion. But according to Anurag Kashyap, the film’s screenwriter Javed Akhtar had some harsh words to say after watching the film.
In a recent interview, Anurag Kashyap revealed that Javed Akhtar had told him that if he had shown the main character, Shravan, winning at the end of the film, it would have been a hit. But Anurag was not interested in making a film that was just about winning. He wanted to show the reality of Indian sports, and the struggles that athletes face to make it to the top.
“If Javed sahab had told me, ‘Make a film that has a happy ending,’ I would have made that film. But he told me, ‘You’ve a problem. You don’t like making money’,” Anurag Kashyap said in an interview. “I said, ‘I don’t care about making money. I care about telling the truth.'”
Anurag’s decision to show Shravan’s struggles and setbacks in the film was a deliberate choice. He wanted to highlight the harsh realities of Indian sports, where athletes often have to face corruption, nepotism, and bureaucratic red tape to succeed. By showing Shravan’s journey, Anurag hoped to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams, even in the face of adversity.
But Javed Akhtar’s comment also highlights the pressure that filmmakers face to make commercial films that appeal to a wider audience. Anurag Kashyap has always been known for his eclectic and experimental approach to filmmaking, and Mukkabaaz is no exception. The film’s unique blend of drama, comedy, and sports action has resonated with audiences and critics alike, but it may not have been the easiest sell for a mainstream studio.
Despite the challenges, Anurag Kashyap is proud of the film and the message it conveys. “I don’t think I would have made the film if I had shown Shravan winning in the end,” he said. “I wanted to show the reality of Indian sports, and the struggles that athletes face to make it to the top. I wanted to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams, even in the face of adversity.”
Mukkabaaz has received widespread critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and innovative filmmaking. The film has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of Indian sports, and its exploration of themes such as caste, class, and identity. The film’s success has also spawned a new wave of interest in Indian sports, with many young athletes and enthusiasts inspired by Shravan’s journey.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, Anurag Kashyap remains committed to making films that tell the truth, even if it means making a profit. “I’m not interested in making films that are just about making money,” he said. “I want to make films that inspire and educate people. I want to make films that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what we consider acceptable.”
In conclusion, Anurag Kashyap’s decision to show Shravan’s struggles and setbacks in Mukkabaaz was a deliberate choice that reflects his commitment to telling the truth, even if it means making a profit. Javed Akhtar’s comment highlights the pressure that filmmakers face to make commercial films that appeal to a wider audience, but Anurag remains committed to making films that inspire and educate people.
