Anurag recalls Javed's comment after watching Mukkabaaz

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently shared his views on

open-ended films

and revealed an intriguing conversation with iconic writer Javed Akhtar about his filmmaking choices. Kashyap reflected on Akhtar's observation that his preference for such narratives prevented his films from achieving

box office success

. He further discussed how the unresolved ending in '

Mukkabaaz

' might have hindered its commercial performance.
During a recent discussion at Annapurna College of Film and Media,

Anurag

recalled Akhtar's advice regarding Mukkabaaz, saying, "Javed Sahaab is such a senior filmmaker. He saw Mukkabaaz and liked it very much. He told me, ‘You have a problem. You don’t like making money.’ I asked him, ‘Why?’ He said, ‘What would you have lost if you had made your character win in the end?’ I told him, ‘Then I wouldn’t have made the film.’"
Anurag elaborated on his stance regarding open-ended narratives. He explained that the purpose of the film was to highlight the flaws and hypocrisy in the sports world. He prefers open-ended films because they provoke ongoing thought and discussion. Unlike closed narratives that conclude with definitive judgments, open-ended films leave a lasting impact, encouraging the audience to think deeply and question rather than providing simple solutions.

'Mukkabaaz', starring Viineet Kumar Singh in the lead role, was not a major box-office hit, but it garnered significant critical praise for its bold and thought-provoking storytelling.

Anurag had previously spoken about stepping away from Mumbai, citing the industry's toxic nature. "I’ve left Mumbai. I want to stay away from film people. The industry has become too toxic. Everyone is chasing unrealistic targets, trying to make the next Rs 500 or Rs 800 crore film. The creative atmosphere is gone," he had said in a conversation with The Hindu.
Anurag recently made his debut as an actor in Malayalam cinema with 'Rifle Club' (2024).