Anurag Kashyap talks about anti-hero films becoming blockbusters. “My film will be successful 3-4 years after its release,” says | Hindi Movie News
You have said that this film is very important for our time.Why?
Because today everyone is creating their own imaginary world. But it’s important to see people living in the real universe that we don’t usually see. Plumbers, lifeguards, sewer cleaners and other people who make our lives run smoother are invisible.
Do you think a film like Kasturi will change people’s perception?
When five people change, the chalk also changes. If the movie reaches even just two people, the world will be a little better. Even if it affects only a few people, it makes a big difference. No matter how small. Change starts at home. If you can bring about change in your home, you can bring about change in your community, and if you can bring about change in your community, you can change society. But forget about changing the family, we can’t even change ourselves.
Why did you decide to release “Kastoori”?
Ranjan Singh saw the film and showed it to me. She was impressed. Ranjan wanted to present this film and she wanted to do it, so I said, “Let’s do this.” we sold it to nagraj manjur. I said that we needed Nagraj very much to release this film. His support was most important. When Nagraj joined us, Ranjan and Cinepolis also joined as they share a good relationship. They decided to give us the space to release the film.
Regular discussions are held with official distributors to connect theater owners and people. We’re all trying to find ways to give space to independent films. Nagraj is the only person who can support this movie for free and I support it for free because I love this movie.
Please tell us something about your movie “Kennedy”…
I was walking around with that character. But I hadn’t decided where to place the character. I tried a lot.i stole that character Sudhir Mishra. That movie was never made, but the character stayed with me.I narrated another version of that character Mohan Lal Also. I thought Rajeev Ravi would direct it, but he didn’t have time.
But something happened during lockdown and we felt it was the perfect time to bring this character. I just took what was reported in the newspaper. I was focusing on Kennedy because I’m creating a character story, but what if these things were done by this fictional character? I spun the story around that.
Did you have any apprehensions while making the film?
I don’t know why people are afraid of me. They say I’ve become political. But ‘Gulal’, which I made, was released in 2009. Wasn’t that a political movie? Isn’t Black Friday a political movie? Why do people think I make social and political statements?
Video: Anurag Kashyap graces IFFK 2023 with ‘Kennedy’
Representing a region or town automatically makes you political. For us, movies are pure fiction. It has nothing to do with reality. I faced these things when I created Paanch. I was called before the censor board and asked, “What is a film?” I asked them the same thing. They said movies should be wholesome and fun. I asked him who said that and what his definition of entertainment is. The definition of entertainment is something that engages the audience and makes them think. If the definition of entertainment is limited, business from top to bottom will also be limited. Everyone is an expert. He said the length of the movie should be less than two hours, including all these songs and this and that.
Why are your films viewed from different perspectives: the establishment, censorship boards, and the general public?
I think expectations will rise. People who love Black Friday will expect you to do it all the time. People keep asking me when ‘Wasseypur 3’ will be released. People who like Dev D ask when they’ll make something like that again. I live with it all the time. There’s nothing you can do about it.
How did you cope with the lockdown?
Lockdown has been tough for me. As someone who works non-stop, I was unprepared for the lockdown. I couldn’t figure out what to do in lockdown. Be prepared in case another lockdown occurs.
Has distancing yourself from social media affected your work?
No one is stopping me from working. But I’ve said so much on social media that people have become scared that I know everything. The day I quit Twitter and stopped watching and reading the news, I realized it wasn’t my job. My job is to make movies and tell stories.
Did you face any problems with the Censor Board with Kennedy?
There were no problems. This is not a “UA” movie. We asked for an “A” certificate and got it with a fine cut.
Is the ‘rising antihero’ a new formula for success in Bollywood?
Just ask anyone whose movie was a big hit. Maybe they know the formula. I realized that my films become successful after 3-4 years from release. Kennedy is a psychopath who doesn’t fit in anywhere. I’ve always loved crime movies. I look at them, I write about them, I create them.
You recently talked about the health challenges you faced last year…
I only had one heart attack. From 2021 to 2022, I faced health issues. After I recovered, I made Kennedy.
When can I see Kennedy?
They are considering Kennedy’s release date. Probably early next year. I’ve been writing nonstop. There are many scripts. It’s ready whenever it’s made.
What about Maximum City? Will you ever succeed?
Yes, that’s good. Jab banegi tab banaunga.
Your daughter Aliya is getting married soon…
she is engaged. She held a party for her engagement. I received an invitation. She will decide when she wants to get married. I’m not from the generation that asks, “When are you going to get married?”
Are you having fun now?
i am happy. i am free. I’m independent.
(Tag Translation) Sudhir Mishra
