Anurag Kashyap ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hain
Thank to VC for the tip. We have Anurag Kashyap as Anurag Kashyap, just a bit more frustrated, angry, depressed and hoping there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
Anurag talks in first person at Tehelka about the pain and struggles he has gone through right from childhood.
While it’s sad to see his sexual abuse at the hands of relatives at home and his seniors in school… but why reveal all this now? He does mention that he has been talking about it right around when Paanch was wrapped up.
I was five when an elder cousin and a neighbour began to abuse me sexually. It was more than molestation; it violated everything. I couldn’t understand. I couldn’t speak of it.
He talks on how Black Friday went on floors as a film though intially it was planned as a tele-serial. And his frustrations and deep depression on it being stopped from being released.
The fate of Black Friday raises a lot of uncomfortable questions about us as a society. I feel I am a very responsible person. My film had a lot of integrity. Go out into the world — every country has political films which are not afraid to take names. But in India, we are not accustomed to that. What is the point of living in a democracy? Why can’t we address issues directly? If people disagree, why can’t we have a democratic debate? Why do we stop people from watching films? Why do we set ourselves up as moral guardians? Why should Ramadoss care about the smoking habits of my child?
His again slipping into depression when Paanch failed to get a release and what his latest venture - Gulal - is all about.
He also is in a state of constant introspection, so essential for a writer
… Perhaps I am too intense, black. Too ridden by demons. Javed Akhtar says anger gives way to cynicism, then to humour. For me, that last transition still remains. We think we can change the world — we can’t. But with humour, people understand more.
It’s been hard, especially when stars like Anil Kapoor first agree to do his film and then pull out six days before the shooting is to begin.
In seven years, he’s directed three films and none of them have had a release. He’s written for many films but hasn’t been credited with it. Though he’s earned his respect amongst the hardcore filmi circles, bloggers and festivals, there’s still the mass acceptance that eludes him, primarily cause of his works getting stuck or banned.
Check out the entire article at Tehelka. It’s the first time he talks about his struggles and horrors in a full circle.
But then his struggles are no different from others in the industry or any other industry, from the pain that we all go through in our own lives. The shades and colors may be different. The cry though is the same.
Here’s hoping things change for the better for this guy and Black Friday, upon is its release does do commercially well.
October 3rd, 2006 at 8:15 am
Difficult to believe but a guy like me got tears while reading the article …..
Thanks VC and Oz …
I can to some extent relate with the pain the guy has gone through …. The oscillations between :(( and :-?? and ~X(
May god give him what he wants …. May he be a little kind to him
October 3rd, 2006 at 8:20 am
have taken a print out and going to hang it on my room ….
for inspiration … for how to go on and continue fighting !!!!
Fuck this is so …. mind numbing !!!!!!
October 3rd, 2006 at 8:24 am
FUCK MAAN …. WHY THE FUCK CANT GOD BE A LITTLE MERCIFUL TO HIM !!!!
FUCK MAAN THIS SUCKS !!!! THIS SUCKS BIG FUCKING TIME
October 3rd, 2006 at 8:41 am
(i don’t know if i’m consoling anurag or kartik…) we all know this is one hell of an acid test for him.. but i have a very good feeling that once success looks upon him, it’s never gonna look back. nobody else in india can claim the kind of fame anurag has for not even having a release yet, so let’s continue to support him and pray for his release.. and hopefully that’ll be good motivation for him to keep coming up with good stuff for us.. keep it goin anurag.. keep it goin =d>
October 4th, 2006 at 1:43 am
interesting thing about the article is that the man has gone through hell of a lot but yet he keeps making movies he believes in - he has principles. where as most of the people would have succumbed in this kind of situation.
October 4th, 2006 at 1:49 am
Thanx for the link Oz.
i have seen black friday in PIFF, and i just could never understand why it is banned at all? are we really living in a democratic nation or is it just another Animal Form where Mollies, Squealers and Napoleaons are celebrated.
A poignant piece of work like Black friday gets banned and Crappy works(?) like KANK are celebrated as someone’s transition from Juvenility to Puberty …what da FUCCK!!! ~X(
Anurag asks these questions:
“What is the point of living in a democracy?
Why can’t we address issues directly? If people disagree, why can’t we have a democratic debate?
Why do we stop people from watching films?
Why do we set ourselves up as moral guardians?”
And i think we need to raise these questions as a part of this democratic society and nation. Thats the only way to appreciate great people like anurag kashyap and PRAYING God to be merciful or blah blah blah, is not going to help change anything…
October 4th, 2006 at 3:18 am
yeah right Orange reason …
As if lighting candles at india gate … holding active discussions with shabana azmi/javed akhtar … sitting on a dharna with Aamir khan and Medha patkar will change it !!!
The point is the helplessness of the situation. Both u and I know this is not the first time questions like these are being asked ….
Nothing and I mean nothing substansial is done by ‘asking questions’ as a part of democratic society… And of course someone like anurag kashyap can’t resort to hoolioganism ala the fundamentalists people who get anything done in india by arm twisting ….
So what other option do we have ???
Even praying to god etc etc … is a joke on the helplessness. I know nothing will change ….
October 5th, 2006 at 4:13 am
Its pity that Indian cinema cant deal with some hard core films. They can immitate and can make Zinda but they dont allow black friday to be seen. When a writer can write a book on the subject then why not a film is made on the same subject. Black Friday could have been the gate for Oscar for India as it was dealing with sponsored terrorism which America is facing and America could have understood it. I dont understand why producer of Black Friday did not send it as an independent entry in foreign language category? Anurag Kashayap should understand that when he has put his hands in fire then he must fight properly rather then to feel depressive. seven years and 3 films and none released is not a ultimate thing which can happen in life. He lived in Scindia school atleast 6 years and suffered against his wishes and finally came out and developed his skill in writing. Only thing was his short vision about life then and his financial support from the parents and now he has to face things on his own. This dark phase will also be passed. This is also true that Black Friday is not actually a film, it looks more like a documentary, even less entertaining then Mira Nair’s sallam bombay. Hollywood makes films based on real stories or atleast on real facts like Hotel Rwanda and recently Crash or Constant gardner but a cinematic visuality is also associated with tehse films. Have seen only Black Friday and can say abt that film only. Anurag should change treatment of his films so that it looks watchable. Not everybody is as hardcore intellectual as Anurag is and therefore he cant expect that all the people will be able to understand his style of art. He has to decide either he select a way where he can allure people towards his expression of art and at the same time say what he wants to say or he just stick to his present way of expression and feel banned.
He admits that nobody can change the world then why to become Iconoclast? Either he has to be tough like his chosen subjects or he has to change as per the available intelligentia of Indian cienma and its viewers else as he has said that in pvt screening before few thousands he has got tremendous response. So its a reality only a fraction can deal with his chosen subjects and way of expression. No person who feels he should change the entire scenario can expect much from the crowd. Yes he is very true that in democrarcy he or anybody should also be allowed to say or show what they want to. In the last , Anurag is too intelligent than others so he will be able to select the way where people are attracted towards his work. Omkara is also not less dark subject but its watchable and has enough cinematic visuality.
Else to watch documentaries people have TV channels and even news channels like BBC and CNN show horrible true stories happening around the world. Cinema is bit different than the documentaries. Why to make fuss if people want to see Black Friday as a film and not as a film of true story. In my opinion it was foolish of Anurag if he faught with sensor for the tag line censor board was asking to remove. Anurag is activist or a film maker? He was judge to give verdict who is responsible for bomb blasts? No he was film maker who made film based on a book dealing with the subject and if he was serious about his work that maximum people should see his film than it does not matter whether tag line goes with film or not if content inside the film is not touched. his motive is to show his work to maximum people or to make enough controversies about his work? Sholay was not allowed by the censor to show Thakur killing Gabbar Singh and Ramesh Sippy changed the end and film was released and made records and now everybody can see on DVD the original end. He has to think by coming out of his circle of thinking. Once he understands this then things will fall to him. Why people liked Satya? It was hard subject but with visual importance. Cinema has to deal with subjects with clever tone.
October 5th, 2006 at 5:05 am
I have no approach to ask Anurag himself but it strikes me that Hollywood has no such disliking for the dark side of cienma or violent cinema full of drug use, sex etc. If Indian film censor cant allow him to release his films why he cant make them in English and releases in America? Is it generalization of the problem? Even Shekhar’r Kapur’s Elisabeth was not able to be released in the India because he was not ready for the cuts suggested by Censor board, but people have watched the movie on CD or DVD. Panch can also be seen through these media. is it available? In todays era its not the case that Film is totally shelved and nobody can see it. There are ways through which it can reach to the audience. One more question I would like to ask Anurag that what he thinks genuinely about him, is he a writer first or a director?
Because when he writes stories and script for others then they make hit films on that material but when he makes himself the film then its banned. Why?
Is it not far genuine that he wait till he makes a film which others can digest. Learners cant learn directly advanced mathematics as first their mind has to be trained in simple mathematics.
And other question, why to put so much emphasis on dark side of human mind in the art? Does it help in evolution of mind? Like medical science and experts of that field, diseases and their descriptions can be interesting and important for getting depth but not for all. Not all can watch on screen the details about those diseases or how they make rotten our bodies. Taste and distaste are two sides of same thing.
For a change Anurag should make a film on brighter side of human mind and life, once his craft of film making is accepted then he can increase his area of covering the audience.
October 5th, 2006 at 7:27 am
TO RK:
“This is also true that Black Friday is not actually a film, it looks more like a documentary, even less entertaining then Mira Nair’s sallam bombay. Hollywood makes films based on real stories or atleast on real facts like Hotel Rwanda and recently Crash or Constant gardner but a cinematic visuality is also associated with tehse films. Have seen only Black Friday and can say abt that film only. Anurag should change treatment of his films so that it looks watchable. Not everybody is as hardcore intellectual as Anurag is and therefore he cant expect that all the people will be able to understand his style of art. ”
I totally disagree with you buddy, Black Friday is an Entertainer….it has got a treatment like Docu…but the story itself is engrossing and the treaetment is TOOOOOOOO GOOD…try to recall the scene when Dawood appears on screen for the first TIME in Bollywood ….People were actually standing and giving an applause to that scene…it so difficult to deal with real people’s personifications but Anuraag is more than successful doing that…
October 5th, 2006 at 7:00 pm
- RK, very very interesting point of view.
October 5th, 2006 at 8:52 pm
- RK
I think just like u have a right to ur point of view … i think so does every film maker have a right to his point of view ….
I mean David dhawan makes movies that i don’t like … stupid …unnecessarily funny …
But that doesn’t mean he should go ahead and stop himself from making the kind of movies that he wants … right ????
Anurag wants to deal with dark tragic cinema because he’s comfortable doing that i guess…
The same reason why Guru dutt made the cinema of despair …
With due respect to u and and everyone, I think no film maker should be guided/advised as to which type of films to be made… That is entirely his/her prerogative … You can like it or leave it …
October 5th, 2006 at 11:16 pm
@RK -
What exactly did u mean by this comment ??
“Is it not far genuine that he wait till he makes a film which others can digest. Learners cant learn directly advanced mathematics as first their mind has to be trained in simple mathematics”
Give the chance to the audience to ‘digest’ his film… Release it for a change on the big screen rather than a pirated VCD … Let it release .. and lets see the audience’s feedback … I think today there is an audience for every kind of cinema … You make a film with honesty and trusting the audience’s sensibilites, the auidence will come irrespective of the genre .. be it horror, dark, tragic, comedy, realistic or whatever !!!!
And and and … Ru saying Anurag kashyap isnt talented enough ???
Gimme a fucking break !!!!!
Yes there is a difference between being a writer and being a director … but many writers have turned film makers havent they ???
Gulzar, Aneez bazmee, Honey Irani … Sanjay Chel ….
October 6th, 2006 at 3:00 am
Orange.Reason,
You have full right to disagree. BF may be different but I dont find it as entertaining as I found Hotel Rwanda, Crash, Catch me if you can (its also based on real story). performance wise BF no less than any other movie especially acting by Pawan Malhotra, (I was fascinated by his nosal accent and if Anurag Asked him to opt that manarism then it was a fantastic idea). KK was brilliant but at times rather most of the times when these two gentelmen are not on screen, film is so slow and present itself as a documentary. Even treatment of riots and mentallity of minority is treated in better way in Govind Nihalani’s Dev. Even “Sahar” was far better in terms of visual impact, it was also based on true events. Its not necessary that film camera should enter in to the toilet to show people how they defecate just to bring reality in the story as filmmakers most often say that why they used abuses, or any kind of brutality or extreme sexuality. Its absurd.
What I am repeating about visual impact can be understood by Gandhi film. Its also true story and shown with asthetic sense. Just to emphasise recall Matrabhumi, its so crude film with so much emphasis on sex relations and casteism that main motive of stopping foeticide is forgotten and this movie is no where a visual film let alone entertainment. It might have good scene to show Dawood talking to Jethamlani on phone but it can also be said that perhaps Anurag should have released the movie in 2007 rather than to make it in 2000 when the case was still pending in the court and Jethamlani had not revealed about this incident. As Shashi Tharoor said today that in soverign state govts. have to see wider perspective. Truth is good but impact also has to be seen. Films are seldom a media to create revolution. and if films are not medium to raise or catalyze the revolutions and only a medium to tell history in a asthetic and attractive way then one has to think about entertainment value. Not long ago people were making just garbage under the name of art films. Though Gurudatt could make few brilliant movies without this banner of art films. If you talk about society then young will be fascinated by the treatment of Inspector Vijay of Amitabh Bachchan than the Inspector Om Puri of Ardha Satya because its so depressive and without any solution. 3 hours you take out from your life and bear all the tensions which you face in real life and still director comes without any solution. What you get in last. More neurosis. Life is not bed of roses its true but life is not bed of thorns even. Its mixture so films also should be mixture of both. Drama is the essential part of cinema and drama is the backbone of cinema.
Even hardcore supporter of these art films always filmed under the light provided by zero watt bulb will enjoy a Golmal or Bawarachee more then Godam or Ravan.
October 6th, 2006 at 3:54 am
Karthik Krishnan,
I think you must read again over my previous comments to get the right message. Anurag has every right to make movies which he believes in. But when he opts unconventional path then he cant complain why common man is not able to understand him at present.
There is a standard format for films which differentiate between feature films and documentaries. A tarantino can play with the usual way of showing his tales but still his films come under the category of feature film.
Please ask OZ to explain why and what he complained about treatment of films of Madhur Bhandarkar and perhaps with his explaination you will understand the point I wish to make. This is true that several writers have turned in to directors in the past also its not necessary that everybody has equal competency in direction as well as they have in writing. Honey’s attempt in Armaan cant be termed as at par with her writing skill which she had shown with Lamhe. Khalid Mohammad might have been possessing good skill of writing as film critic but his films were not good. Nasser is brilliant actor but his first film as director is not worthy to compare with his films where he has acted. Rarely we get combination of talents. Rajendra Singh Bedi was a nice writer but as director he was not as good. Khawaja Ahmed Abbas wrote brilliant stories and scripts for Raj Kapur but he himself could not make films of same quality. What is visual factor in film, we can understand by seeing Mere Apne , the first movie Gulzar had directed. It was based on unemployed directionless youth and see how beautifully Gulzar depicted the problems. He did not make documentary out of it by showing pathetic real conditions. He selecetd drama to say his tales.
This is time of 24/7 channels and they need something to play on and in every second of a day time , few will always be watching something as far as television is concerned so you are true that today there are audience for every kind of cinema but they were always there. But when we talk about truth then true cinema is that which goes beyond cross section of society and touches more and more people.
Before I forget to mention Gurudatt did not make Pyasa and Kagaz ke phool only which certainly are not completely depressive( we may talk in length on his films some other time) but he made Mr and Mrs 55, Aar paar type light comedies, Sahib Biwi aur Ghulam type novel based film, Bazi type crime drama and Chhohadavi ka chhan type social drama.
Did I say Anurag is not talented enough? I said opposite that inspite of being thoroughly intelligent he is not able to break his usual mind set where he thinks that he is doing something iconoclastic in the Indian cinema. He is not able to recognise the role of a filmmaker. He wants to bring change but he is asking people to take his ideas just because he thinks they are brilliant ideas. He is not ready to wait or to keep patience so that people are educated to understand his work. Just when I read your lines that he makes dark films because he is comfortable in making dark films , does that means these films are his catharsis? If this is the case then why others will pick up his films? But these are the questions which should be asked from writer and director Anurag. His brilliancy is not under question but his treatment of films. I am not sure if any lawyer did not suggest him that he cant put stress on keeping tag line with BF that this is based true story because then several people including Jethamlani, memmon, dawood any many others have right to take stay order. His wisedom was to say the things in such a way that film was released and was shown to more and more people only then he was successful as a filmmaker. This is my point.
Every case in the court suggest that truth can not be said as it was. Its going to be deformed when its tackled by humanbeing because we understand and see as per our understanding and conditioning so nothing is ultimate truth then why to put so much stress that no brother we will stick to this fact that we are making something which has happened as the way we are showing? Suppose tomorrow Anurag makes film of Dhannjay the person who was hanged last year in culcutta for raping and killing a minor girl. He was saying till last that he was innocent then how Anurag will know what was happened. now both the parties are dead or take example of Mohd afzal, if Anurag goes ahead to make film on his life how it will turn out. Do we know truth of Bofors, tehlka or any present day’s scandal?
When Shekhar Kapur made Bandit queen, was Phoolan in complete agreement with his treatment of film? was it a true story of phoolen? There are two things which Anurag has to decide.
First is - he continues making films in a way he makes and they become controversial and perhaps only few fortunate audience see them and perhaps 10-15 years down the line, he is termed as brilliant filmmaker who was ahead of his time and people did not understand his work.
Second is - he understands the necessity first to reach more and more people to say his tales and once people are addicted to his work then he brings out the real things which he wants to take out.
Whatever is truth, people saw Garam Hawa, Mr and Mrs Aiyar etc also in the past. They were based on the riots.
And yes it depends on conviction of Anurag also. A good number of people in India read Satyakatha, Manohar kahaniyan type books where its claimed that they are based on the true stories and photographs of culprits and police investigation teams also also published along with the stories. Several channels are displaying the shows based on real stories, like Suhail Ilyasis show( Indias most wanted?). and perhaps Anurag is also paving path in bollywood for similar things. I may be too dumbed to understand his work at the right time and will understand later. At present I am occupied with cinema which has visual feast. Sholay is there for me to have good entertainment, Kaghaz Ke Phhool is there to watch a nice intelligent movie, Devdas(Bimal Rai) is there to see the height of an actor’s acting capability. Several others are there. Lage Raho Munna Bhai like films still come to give entertainment with a message. If I have to see the truth behind 9/11 then I will watch Michael Moor but If I want to watch for feature film based on 9/11 then I will wait till a feature film comes but I wont term documentary based on that event as a feature film.
October 6th, 2006 at 5:17 am
@RK
Matrubhoomi - its a noir film .. It bangs ur head and repulses you to the core … You feel ‘ashamed of being a man’ at the end of it !!!! Arguably the most hard hitting film … at par with bandit queen …
At the risk of sounding slightly personal (may i apologise) … let me explain my point of view …
Plain and simple, you don’t want to see camera entering into someone’s toilet … Don’t watch it !! Don’t patronise it .. You don’t want to see cuss words (Omkara) - Don’t watch it !!! You don’t wanna see films dealing with sexuality .. and female foeticide… Don’t watch it !!! You don’t wanna see these depressing films , please feel free not to watch them !!! You don’t wanna see porn… don’t watch it !!!
Perhaps u may not watch them …Many don’t watch them ….
I do watch them… and of course many of us do …
You are given a choice to see or not to see, right ??? The film maker of these films was given a choice to let you (audience) decide whether u wanna see his films or not … right ???
Anurag has not been given that choice… And that’s what is upsetting !!!
And please oh please … Let’s not dictate what a film maker wants to make films on or not … We may hate Karan johar for his ‘rosy’ films. We may hate Anurag kashyap/Manish Jha(Matrubhoomi) for their hard hitting films… but that doesnt mean they shouldn’t have a right to make the films they want to …
I hate karan johar’s films… So i choose not to watch them !!!
If audience hates AK’s films, let them decide if they want to watch them or not !!! Period
October 6th, 2006 at 5:19 am
Anurag kashyap aint complaining that common man hasnt been able to understand his films.
He’s complaining that his movies have not been released for the common man to be understood, thanks to self appointed moral guardians of this ‘common man’
See .. the thing is … let it be a documentary … let it get released … let people have a choice not to see the film (i agree that indian audience including myself may not be too intrested in a documentary). If it is a documentary , automatically people will not be too excited about watching it …
My point is let him or any film maker make a film on anything and in any manner whatever he or she wants …. let it get an audience … let the audience decide whether the film is good or not. Let not some handful of people decide what is to be seen and what not to be seen.
If anurag wants he can make a documentary/film on anything and everything under the sun …. it is for the audience to see it and pass decision.
The movies can be depressive, hilarious, black, dark, tragic, romantic, feel good, or anything …. at least it deserves to get an audience on its own merit and not on that of some ‘censor board’
When the book (Black Friday) has been released (and it is supposedly authentic and not like Pervez musharaff’s hallucinations on the Indo-Pak conflict) and is available in the market, then why shouldnt a movie that is based on the book be released ????
Even if the book isnt authentic … why was it released in the first place ????
Guru dutt went ahead with the movies he felt comfortable making … . So did Gulzar… So should Anurag.
Guru dutt’s Kaagaz key phool was rejected… Gulzar’s Hu tu tu was rejected too … Then why shouldn’t that chance be given to Anurag ???
Role of a filmaker ???
The only role of a film maker is to ahead with conviction and tell the story which he wants to tell … He has no social responsibility/ educative / entertainment tag or obligation on himself. A film can be anything .. anything ..
I don’t really think anurag wants to change the indian society !!! He may make films suggesting a point of view … but his intention is to say something !!!! And not to go on and become a social worker…
Let him make films to get his daily bread/ or to go on an ego trip / or to make a fashion statment or/ or to sleep with the heroines or whatever. I (as in the audience) don’t care for that !!! I want to go through an emotionally satisfying experience at the end of it …. So does the audience.
Should we only get ‘feel good’ cinema (Yash chopar, Karan johar)… or realistic cinema with cinematic liberties (Madhur bhandarkar, Naagesh kukunoor, Khosla ka ghosla)… Why can’t we have an out and out realistic documentary film/art film in the market ????
When govind nihlani, Shyaam bengeal have survived … so should Anurag kashyap be given a chance to survive too…
What i understand you are trying to say is that ur asking him to compromise on his ideals and his style …
I’m saying he shouldn’t …. Although there is the obvious danger of him fighting the system alone and breaking down
October 6th, 2006 at 5:41 am
Well I think Anurag is a brilliant writer. His Satya and Shool(barring the finale which he has publicly disowned) are testimony to this. But I have a little different view as far as the director in him is concerned. I have seen both Paanch and Black Friday and frankly speaking not highly impressed with it. What I am trying to say is that it frankly doesn’t deserve all the superlatives that people and critics(Mayank Shekhar had termed him a genius without a release…well! well! - we all know he worked with Mid Day, the prodn. house behind Black Friday). The only redeeming factor in Black Friday were those brilliant actors like Pawan Malhotra, Aditya Srivastava & Imatiaz Ali(yes the director of Socha Na tha in a refresheing appearence) and the structure of the film which I though was fantastic. Again this proves Anurag’s capabilities as a writer. But beyond that Black Friday meanders into a sterile ‘middle’. Paanch is even worse. I have been a great admirer of Tigmanshu Dhulia(his ‘Haasil’ is one of the finest films to have come out of Bombay in a long long time), Imtiaz Ali(refreshing take on a mainstream love story), & Chandan Arora (No one talks about him and he is the guy who has such a command over the craft - fantastic). To top it all, we have Mr. Vishal bharawaj, who has just started a fire which is going to blaze the skies of Indain cinema for a long long time. The script writer in Anurag is taking over his public persona as well. He is constantly trying to create this image of a rebel within the system. The problem is, like all Bollywood potboiler characters, it starts sound like a whine after a while. So Anurag just chill out, step back and take a deep breath. Things will be better
October 6th, 2006 at 6:46 am
Thanks kartik for taking discussion ahead.
I must ask who will make it possible that Anurag’s films are released and people get right to accept or reject his films. I am not updated about condition of his films but perhaps Panch or BF are cleared but distributors are not ready to put money on these projects. As I said in my first posting if his producer of BF had vision and Anurag and he thought BF is a masterpiece film then they could have sent it to OSCAR directly as an independent entry in foreign language category.
Or Ala Dev Anand make movies with your own money, distribute on your own and enjoy success or failure whatever comes your way. Dev Anand is not complaining that people are not making his films successful.
Where mere picture or cartoon can create havoc there govt. and ministers have to see what can deteriorate the situation. If they think a certain subject can destroy the communal harmony then they have right to withheld the screening of that subject for timebeing. Filmmaking is not like writing a book. So many people are involved in this process. Only Anurag can not be responsible for making BF. Was his producer aware of the outcome of that subject. Or fact was this only that producer wanted to encash the opportunity. Now this is unbelievable that producer was involved in patriotic activity of bringing truth outside. Why Dev is not banned on a similar subject? Its not case of killing of a known man that one can encash the incidence, like films were made immediately after the assasination of JFK to solve the mystory. Here sections of society were involved. In volatile conditions few hard decisions can be taken by the govt and court.
One man’s creativity and creative freedom is not above the interest of large section of society. If you become administrative officer responsible for the life of 1 million people you will also take same decision. When it will be moment of decision then you will play safe rather then to play under the impulse. When you touch a subject dealing with masses then your responsibilities are more. If you are building your house, its your wish how much safety factor you keep, what design and material you select but if you are an architect and is building for others then you have to follow standard norms. If you are creating for self its fine but if others are involved and you wish to bring out your products for others then matter is different then you dont have much liberty. Writers certainly have more liberty than filmmakers in creativity but then books are invidual case. When you read a book you do it in your solitude and its matter between book and reader. But films are usually seen by a group. People dont object if its a nude painting or scupture. Why nudity or sexuality or extereme violence in films are matter of discussion?
Why there is different certification for films? or age matters in any country while allowing them to drive, drink beer or watch all kind of movies? there are levels of understanding because of different social and economic status. a naom chamoski can shout from his roof top about democrarcy because he is privilged to live in USA, can he does same if lives in UAE or pakistan or bangladesh or china or russia?
re- Omkara I have written in oscar nomination post, for me its best film after Sholay from any point of view. But I dont see its quality getting affected if abuses were not present in the film. They were not essentially necessary.
Films certainly should have a asthetic sense and for that matter camera should refrain to enter to toilet to catch how a person attends his nature’s call. Its essentially unimportant and extremnely distastefull also as far as art is concerned. For medical point of view it can be important. Not every socalled art movie can be a good cinematic product. and this is the point. Just for looking different one can not do different thing.
you must have watched New Delhi Times, it was a political toned film and was released and people saw it. As I said Mr and Mrs Aiyer was released and people saw it. I am not legal expert so unable to underswtand clearly whether BF should have been given green signal or not when case was still pending in the court and people could have made opinion after seeing the film.
I am not able to catch the pulse of present time that perhaps Tehlka.com like trend has been started in the films also and people are so updated that can make film on a scandal which is undergoing juidiciary trial. Nobody cares if somebody make film of Telagi case or Anara Gupta case but Hindu muslim equation is sensitive and we all have to understand this.
Its not so easy thing that few can solve this. Here few can be vicitimised and Anurag may be one of them because he touched subject at wrong time.
I am not aware why his paanch is not released.
Matrobhumi - some other time.
October 6th, 2006 at 7:01 am
What Anurag does is seen in his own words:-
“Now, when the blackness comes upon me, I take off to some part of the world, anywhere that I can lose myself till I find the willpower to return. My wife understands what I go through though it is painful for her. But it is my 6-year-old daughter who keeps me grounded and forces me to look at myself afreshâ€.
http://tehelka.com/story_main20.asp?filename=hub100706Catcher.asp
Others living in the world are not facing the darkness, blackness? Like his daughter keeps him grounded and makes him fresh and rejuvenated, in the same way his films should be mixture of everything prevailing in the life. Art is to highlight the good in life. Once in a while darkside is good but not always. Thats not a way of living the life. India is a wounded country that does not mean that every citizen starts discussing its wounds all the time then our kids including Anurag’s kid will be born depressive with no optimism and hope towards future. Its unscientific even.
October 6th, 2006 at 7:17 am
@RK
There should be no “Should be ” in any film !!!
The film maker should decide for himself what should be the “should be’s ” in his film …
What non sense ur talking yaar …
Jis ki jo marzi hai ,, woh wohi film banaye ..
Hum log VHP/BJP/RSS/SIMI sey hain kya, jo films key content par decide karein ???
“Once in a while dark films are good but not everytime ” - utter bull crap
I say if the director feels, go ahead and make every film a dark tragedy … or a slapstick toilet humored comedy ..
Why should anyone tell any film maker what films to make ????
That my dear friend is the point … and u are missing it !!!
October 6th, 2006 at 7:32 am
- RK, Nirad, Kartik,
This is one of most intersting discussions I’ve got to read in a long time. I’m amazed by the depth but more so by the multiple degrees apart point of vision that each individual has to look at the same issue.
There are some very very agreeable points mentioned by all three of you.
From what I see, RK and Kartik - you both want is to see Anurag be allowed to express his creative freedom, albiet diplomacy and working one’s way out in a system - could help Anurag and save him from the many problems he’s faced so far. Guys your view on this issue defines you and both of you have perfectly fine perspectives. I do think you have to let go of some battles to win the war and probably I would have removed the “tag line” in Black Friday if that was what prevented it’s release (though I believe there were other issues too which blocked its release)
But then I’m not Anurag, and his own philosophical and psychological makeup is what defines him… and that’s why he’s Anurag Kashyap and not RK or Kartik or oz
Lastly, yes he writes a story through the darkest of glasses and though some of his stories may not be my cup of tea, still they are stories, good stories and they have to be told… for that’s what create “balance” in the crazy bazaar of Bollywood movies ranging from the idiotic to sensible and interesting. And yes Paanch was given a C Plus by yours truly earlier this year. Check the review out if you haven’t so far by doing a search.
RK, Nirad - you guys should be writing for PFC. Email me.
October 6th, 2006 at 7:34 am
Yes Kartik,
there should be no ” should be” with refrence to a particular film as that is prerogative of filmmaker. but there can be “should be” in films as a medium of art.
If Anurag Kashyap thinks that making dark films are his USP and this is the contribution which he wanted to give to Indian Cinema then he must continue with his present trend. Even if I or anybody try to insist that he should make this or that he is not going to listen so that point is not here that I am trying to say him what he should make. Certainly not.
Darkness is not in the tradition of India. Its never got any place in the Indian pyschology.
I know one thing that if one is genius than he/she cant make every film with same treatment. His mind will be bored and he will search new heights in the creativity. We have seen quantum leap of Vishaal from Makdee to Omkara via Maqbul. Every time different treatment of subject and with lot of improvements.
It happens with every creative person. But yes if darkness is the genre of Anurag then may be he becomes Satyajit Ray of dark films even better.
Main thing which matters is his comfort and channelization of his wisdom and energy. If he is fine doing what he is doing and result does not affect him, its all fine.
October 6th, 2006 at 7:56 am
Yes Oz, Anurag Kashyap is different than us thats why he is making (atleast making) films in bombay and we are dicussing his work.
When you are in technical field then you know that even an operator can suggest something which an expreinced engineer could not think about a process.
Filmmaking is not self absorbing process like writing. So many factors are associated with it, kind of subject which can touch maximum number of people. Its not suffice to say that creative person creates for his satisfaction. Economics is important here also.
Else Dev Anand is not making as bad movies as others are making but his marketing area is so week. Else listen music of his films, which still is at par with any hit music of today’s films. he select subjects which is followed by others but surely he is an original thinker but not a good writer so his idea is always good but description is not that good.
Yes I wish Anurag would have been patient enough to bear the guidelines to remove the tag line so tzhat his film was released at time when it was made because 3 movies none released has affected his market in bollywood. It may enhance his position in eyes of few movie watchers who like unconventional themes but than they dont finance the movies so those who like him dont provide money to him so that he continues to make films which he likes. Have not seen Paanch and as you said that you gave C minu to that movie so even you cant treat him as a rare new species in the director’s category. He is a writer par exelence, thats for sure. and like Vishaal he will improve in direction also, this is a hope and wish.
But he should come out of his so called darkness and depression. Only he can do that as he has to do. others cant help there.
BTW whats this PFC I am not aware.
October 6th, 2006 at 8:00 am
“by the multiple degrees apart point of vision that each individual has to look at the same issue”.
Oz your line sums it very well, when his work is analysed by 3 people in 3 different way then how can he claim that BF is the only true depiction of a true story while it was under judicial trial. This attitude may be a hurdle in releasing his films.
see its a circle , if he comes out he also enjoys success with same films he is making.
October 6th, 2006 at 10:24 am
@ Rk, Nirad and karthik =d>=d>=d>
You guys have a fantastic discussion going on here. My two cents though:
Karthik, i agree with what you say about giving the liberty to the filmmaker to decide wht he wants to make.
I also agree with RK, regarding Black Friday. BF wasnt cinematically a good movie. I am not even talking about how depressing that movie was, which i might accept knowing how depressing the real incident was. Kudos to AK to bring that out. But, as RK, pointed out it turned out to be a documentary, and i hadnt expected that to be the way it turned out, so, was very dissapointed by the movie. As me and Oz once discussed on the talk show.. The movie is tooooooo darn slow. Not even to mention there were some scenes which were lifted staright from RGV movies( earlier RGV…nooo not today’s), and also from Mani Ratnam’s Bombay. I am not pointing towards the theme or the plot of Bombay here, i am saying about scenes which were there in Bombay, like when Arvind Swamy is looking for his kids and there is a Tire burning right in the middle of the road. Well, can accept its a true story(debatable again, after the wonderful presentation of RK, about what is the truth and what is made to believed to be the truth.. RK i was impressed by that line of thought of yours), but why do you need the same scenes. They could have been interpreted differently
About the RGV stamp.. i was talking to a friend of mne earlier and she said the scene where a Mujrim is chased by the cop.. it is a very lenghty scene.. was so, wonderful. I thougth i had seen the same sequence albeit no chor-police in RGV’s original Shiva. Ditto..
October 6th, 2006 at 11:22 pm
This is Anurag’s filmography I have sourced from the net. -
Satya
Shool
Kaun
Mixed Doubles
Dost - My Best Friend
Paisa Vasool (January 9, 2004) (Released)
Main Aisa Hi Hoon (May 6, 2005) (Released)
Nayak (September 7, 2001) (Released)
Yuva (May 21, 2004) (Released)
Love Story 2050 (2006) (Under Production)
Guru (2006) (Under Production)
Fool & Final (2006) (Under Production)
Director
Paanch (2006) (Stuck/On Hold)
Black Friday (2005) (Stuck/On Hold)
Screenplay
Shunya (2006) (Under Production)
Paisa Vasool (January 9, 2004) (Released)
Story Writer
Fool & Final (2006) (Under Production)
Paisa Vasool (January 9, 2004) (Released)
Jung (2000) (Released)
Kaun (February 26, 1999) (Released)
Satya (July 3, 1998) (Released)
I swear, I have nothing against Anurag… but is this a filmography, we should be going gaga over? Other than the incipient explosion, it has sputtered to a boring whine. Lets check out guys like Sooni Taraporewala who has got those masterpieces like Salaam Bombay with Mira Nair. We have even Abbas Tyrewala who has given us those refreshing films like Maqbool & Munnabhai MBBS. Then there is this brilliant writer in Vishal Bharadwaj. One should just check out his work in Maqbool or Omkara.We shaould be raving about these guys. Anurag has a place, but way down in list of preferences. Lets also step back, take a deep breath and just chill for a while. Things might get clearer.
October 8th, 2006 at 11:09 pm
The trouble with life is that you’re halfway through before you realize it’s a DIY (do it yourself). All I know is that it must have been a hell of a pain for AK to open up and talk about his past in public. I respect the man for his courage. Now, about his dark stories, ideas and the associated thought process, it’s really not in my place to comment, but I would like to say this: after a snow storm few of us would see driveways that need to be shoveled and some of us would see unassembled snowmen - andaz apna apna. In principle, as long as you have your audience following you till the last scene/word/note, and asking for more - you are it!
October 11th, 2006 at 3:15 am
Nobody likes to have advice and AK also wont like to be advised but he cant change the prevailing scenario in hindi cine industry.If he fights with everyone, from big stars to big producers than with whom he will work? he may make films with unknown faces or lesser known faces but who will finance his films and who will distribute them?
One way is this that he opts ways of Rajat Kapur who started Raghu Romeo with his own saving of Rs16 lakh and later he went on Internet to get support from film lovers and sold shares of film at 10 Rs per share by giving hope to all contributors that he will return money after film is relased and gets profit. Its good way , if there is good number of AK’s fan followings then he should have no problem in getting finance for his film/s. He must try this.
Or as he has done in past. His filmgraphy suggests that he also has done compromises ( Paisa vasul etc) because he has to take care of his family and his expenses to survive. This is very clear that if he gives a super hit film then financers and distributers will lift him on their shoulders and will make crowd outside his house. and then he can dictate his terms. As we read that Salim Javed did in past when they sold Deewar to Yash Chopra with their own terms and conditions.
If AK earns good and strong position in hindi cine industry then he can be far more beneficial to like minded dreamers and cine lovers because he can provide them the path when they are new in industry and want to make their kind of cinema which is not mere formula based. That will be a kind of revolution because this is a bitter truth that a failed Anurag will not help anyone, neither himself nor others, though his sayings may make temporary noise. But its not solid act. His strong position in hindi cine world is more helpful then his so called crusade against everything in present cine industry. If Subhash Ghai has opened Whisteling wood cine school then Anurag has no right to call it as his retirement plan rather then a way to provide a single platform for those who wish to learn something about cinema. These things are distraction for anyone. Anurag has to be focussed on his cinema rather than to search weaknesses in others and in system. This will sway away his focus and neither he will be able to make the cinema he likes nor he will be able to change the present system. As if he strikes others and established system then system and others will also strike on him with more force. Director’s film should speak and they should speak less.
October 12th, 2006 at 9:44 pm
The whole time I was reading the artcile I had goose bumps. All of sudden I felt so hallow and heavy at the same time. One thing boils my blood more than lava is Child abuse:(
Hope the world becomes a better place for kids.
October 16th, 2006 at 10:36 pm
hey..though its overwhelming to see so much discussion over me..i feel i am not worth it..i feel its these discussions and hype that has taken away from me my natural path to growth..its like that when vishal or any of my friends..(every one discussed here is my damn good friend and support)..films were viewed,they were viewed without expectations..but so much discussions made people expect a classic from me..they are normal films that i wanted to make..every time i look at my filmography,i am not ashamed but angry..but then you have to keep working..its sad that one has to choose between one shitty film that makes more money or four meaningful films where everyone down the line gets corrupted..i chose money and not take credit..most of the films on my filmography do not carry my name..it just appears on imdb..i don’t deny i don’t have anything to do with them..i do..but refused to take credit for it..there is a lot that happens here..you should read the book ..you will never eat lunch in this town again..applies to bollywood..anyway trust me i am not worth so much discussion..when ever i write articles its like therapy to me..keeps me alive and going..i need to spit out the venom so i don’t carry it on my sets..thats it..what one should start a debate on is how to get copyright laws in india..believe me our writers have more potential than they deliver but no one wants an original script..sadly not even ramu
January 6th, 2007 at 6:28 am
“A film like Lage Raho makes me insanely jealous, but it also sets me thinking. There are other lighter ways of doing the same things. Perhaps I am too intense, black. Too ridden by demons. Javed Akhtar says anger gives way to cynicism, then to humour. For me, that last transition still remains. We think we can change the world — we can’t. But with humour, people understand more.”
I find many people who given comments here seen only darker side. Here is the light in his writings. He himself realized and mentioned that he is in the process of transition. Lets hope he completes the transition quickly. He is jaelous of “Munnabhai lage raho” means, he is agreeing himself for the lighter way of film making.
“Once Paanch was cleared by the censors, it couldn’t find a distributor: no songs, no stars, no foreign locales.”
Only one thing I didn’t understand with his comment of unable to find distributer. In todays lot hell of ways to show your work. He can distribute his movie immediately in youtube (Broad cast yourself) and add a link to his article. So that thousands of people will get chance to see his movie. He gets the fame if his movie had stuff to convince the people. A fame in film industry is nothing but money.
I wish to see his movie PANCH on youtube soon. I am sure he can broad cast his other uncensored movies also. When people are publishing un-ethical videos like “Saddam Execution”. Anurag had all the right to show his hard work as well.
One more thing I am remembering is “Hyderabad Blues” movie taken by Nagesh Kukunoor. Kukunoor had released his movie on one theater for one show (morning show) in Secunderabad (Sangeeth as for as my remembrance) movie got fame and got released in other theaters slowly. Todays small theater culture (Malls in metro cities) he doesn’t required a distributer to release his movie.
One final word, your article got disturbed so much, I read it @ 3 AM and now its 5 AM still hanging around this article
January 18th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
i hope this message goes to AK, but i have been waiting for all his releases eagerly and can not hide my delight when news reached me about BF release on feb 2007.
thats the first victory for you man and surely more will follow. catching a glimpse of the movie was entralling. look worth the two year wait.
i wish Paanch will also get released soon.
as far as debate on democracy is concerned here are my two cents.
we pay taxes, pay for the movie, elect the candidates pay for even that tissue which they use to swipe their ugly ass. and still we do not have any voice. Police, municipality, anything is not for me. because of my silent.
i have seen politics of protest, their are people protesting for evey crappy thing you can ever protest. has anybody protested when Fanna was banned in gujrat. why did not the entire movie industry got together and banned any release of movie in gujraat let their people bear modi all producers would have banned any release on that day itself. belive me if our escape routes(bollywood, cricket and any form of entertainment,) drys up all you are left with is news channel. in one month you will become a rebel and in one year you will throw out any govt which deprives you from movies.
why consumer is an asshole here. because he allows it. why can not we unite together and say we will have a goverenment on a signed contract. make up your list of demands what you want many intellectuals are sitting on thier wise ass and doing nothing for the country. and thugs are runnuig it and riuning it. lets sit together and decide what we want choose our own candidate who will have to carry out those task.
and all right minded people let us come on streets, so far only pimps, politicans, their goons, and mob has owned them. let all the right minded people who contribute to this contry come on street for pettiest of the issues and they will fuck up .
October 20th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
[...] Kashyap Catcher in the Rye - 2005 Tehelka interview Link source: Anurag Kashyap ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hain by Desi Train His blog: Anurag Kashyap : PassionForCinema __________________ "It’s a basic truth of the [...]