Hindi Films Are Not Working Because They Aren't Rooted In Culture, Says Anurag Kashyap
He said both Gangubai Kathiawadi and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2¡ªthe two Bollywood blockbusters of the year helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Anees Bazmee, respectively - worked because the makers followed their conviction.
Anurag Kashyap, a director, suggested on Wednesday that one of the reasons why the Hindi film industry is having trouble producing blockbusters is because the films are no longer "rooted" in culture.
According to Kashyap, films from the South are well-received nationwide because the filmmakers remained loyal to the region's culture.
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At the trailer launch of his upcoming directorial venture, Dobaaraa, the director was asked why Hindi films are not doing well at the box office.
"Because our Hindi films are not rooted, this is the simple answer. When you see Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films, they're rooted in their culture, whether that's mainstream or non-mainstream culture. But our films are not rooted," Kashyap told reporters.
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The filmmaker, who has produced Malayalam films such as Paka and Moothon, and the Marathi movie "Vakratunda Mahakaaya", said the Hindi film industry now has directors who can't even speak the language, which is reflected in the movies they make.
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"Here, people who can't speak Hindi or English are making Hindi films. Wherever the films are rooted, they work. When our mainstream filmmakers make their kind of films, they work, " Kashyap said.
He said both Gangubai Kathiawadi and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2¡ªthe two Bollywood blockbusters of the year helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Anees Bazmee, respectively - worked because the makers followed their conviction.
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"Gangubai Kathiawadi, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 worked because the two filmmakers made the kind of films they usually make. Other filmmakers attempt to make those films they don't; they usually try to impress, changing genres. The moment we go rooted, our films will work," he added.
While trade experts believe the current trend signals the end of mid-size films having a golden theatrical run, Kashyap said times have "always been scary" for him.
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"Throughout my career, times have always been scary... For me, the risk factor is the same as for every other film. It's tough for people who have established and understood the market and make big films. For me, it's the same," he added.
Kashyap is also known for acclaimed films such as Gangs of Wasseypur, DevD, and Mukkabaaz, said.
Agencies
"Dobaaraa" will open on the big screen at a time when only lavishly mounted spectacle films such as Pushpa: The Rise, RRR, and KGF: Chapter 2 have emerged as blockbusters across India. Headlined by Taapsee Pannu, Dobaaraa is the Hindi remake of the 2018 Spanish movie Mirage. The mystery drama is set to be released on August 19.
"Dobaaraa" is jointly produced by Ektaa Kapoor¡¯s Cult Movies, a new division under Balaji Telefilms, and Sunir Kheterpal and Gaurav Bose¡¯s banner Athena.
(With PTI inputs)
