Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has expressed his concerns about the current state of Bollywood, stating that the industry is more focused on earning massive profits rather than creating memorable films. In a recent interview, Kashyap highlighted the challenges faced by filmmakers who strive to maintain their artistic integrity in an environment dominated by commercial pressures.
Anurag Kashyap
Anurag Kashyap emphasized that the immense pressure and expectations from fans make it difficult for filmmakers to cater to their demands and create the type of films they desire repeatedly. He shared his own experiences, citing the failure of his film “Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat” as an example of how he stayed true to his creative instincts despite the financial losses he incurred.
The Impact of Fan Expectations
The director also spoke about the profound impact fan expectations can have on the creative processes within Bollywood. Kashyap revealed that he is “terrified of fans” and that the fear of facing repercussions and the consequences of not meeting fans’ expectations is overwhelming. He expressed his reluctance to work with Shah Rukh Khan due to the immense fanbase that surrounds the actor, stating that he is “petrified of his fans” and that it is “impossible to cater to his aura or enigma”.
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The Obsession with Pan-India Films
Kashyap further criticized the Hindi film industry for its obsession with earning massive revenues. He explained that the pursuit of formulaic films for financial gain often leads to disastrous results, citing the example of the Marathi blockbuster “Sairat,” which grossed ₹100 crore and led to a surge in the production of similar films.
The Formulaic Approach
The filmmaker highlighted how the industry’s focus on earning massive profits has led to a formulaic approach, where films are designed to appeal to a broad audience rather than telling authentic stories. Kashyap noted that this approach often compromises the story and dumbs down the films, resulting in a lack of originality and creativity.
The Challenges Faced by Smaller Films
Kashyap also discussed the challenges faced by smaller films in terms of screenings. He noted that films like “LSD 2” and “12th Fail” struggle to stay in theaters due to the dominance of big-budget films. He praised Vidhu Vinod Chopra for ensuring that his films stay in theaters, even if they only have a few shows.
The Impact of Social Media
Kashyap also spoke about the role of social media in perpetuating the commercialization of films. He stated that social media has created a culture where everyone is more interested in the box office numbers than the quality of the film. He emphasized that this has led to a situation where filmmakers are more focused on earning massive profits than creating memorable films.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Anurag Kashyap’s comments highlight the challenges faced by filmmakers who strive to maintain their artistic integrity in an environment dominated by commercial pressures. His concerns about the industry’s obsession with earning massive profits and the impact of fan expectations on creative processes underscore the need for a shift in the way films are made and marketed in Bollywood.