Laxman Utekar, director of Chhaava, has responded to comments by Anurag Kashyap regarding his dissatisfaction with the Hindi film industry, addressing the topic during an interview. The discussion comes after Kashyap publicly expressed a desire to leave Mumbai, describing his disillusionment with Bollywood and revealing his frustration with the current state of the industry. The focus keyword, Anurag Kashyap responds to Bollywood criticism and departure, is directly relevant as both filmmakers share their perspectives on creative challenges and industry trends.
Laxman Utekar Shares His Perspective on Industry Exit
During a conversation with Mama’s Couch, Laxman Utekar was questioned about filmmakers considering leaving Bollywood, a reference made by the interviewer pointing toward Anurag Kashyap. Utekar expressed his belief that staying in Bollywood should be a personal decision and highlighted the importance of creative satisfaction in filmmaking.
“Leave if you want to, nobody is forcing you to stay. You can only make movies if you are creatively happy, and there’s no point in forcing yourself if you can’t put your heart in it.”
—Laxman Utekar, Director
Debate Over Audience and Filmmakers’ Sensibilities
Utekar also addressed criticism made by some filmmakers regarding the taste of the Bollywood audience. He argued that those creating films should be more adaptable to changing audience expectations rather than criticizing them for perceived shortcomings.
“They’re wrong when they (filmmakers) say the audience lacks the sensibilities to accept their film… in fact, it’s they who lack the sensibility to accept the audience’s taste. How can you say cinema is dying when movies are doing business of over Rs 1000 crore? You should change your sensibilities instead of telling the audience to change themselves.”
—Laxman Utekar, Director
Anurag Kashyap’s Frustrations and Shift Away from Mumbai
Earlier this year, Anurag Kashyap discussed his reasons for leaving Mumbai in an interview with The Hindu, stating he desired distance from film industry circles. Kashyap described a toxic environment and criticized the intense focus on achieving blockbuster-level earnings, which he feels has led to a loss of creative spirit.
“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,”
—Anurag Kashyap, Filmmaker
The State of Recent Projects for Both Directors
Laxman Utekar’s film Chhaava, led by Vicky Kaushal, has experienced significant commercial success, collecting Rs 807 crore at the global box office. This accomplishment is often cited in ongoing debates about the health of Bollywood cinema.
Meanwhile, Anurag Kashyap’s latest directorial effort, Kennedy, has faced continued delays in release due to financial problems experienced by the studio supporting the film. Kashyap discussed these challenges and the search for alternatives to bring the project to the audience.
“They have actually gone bankrupt and don’t have the money to release the film. We are trying to figure out other avenues.”
—Anurag Kashyap, Filmmaker
Industry Impact and the Way Forward
The public exchange between Laxman Utekar and Anurag Kashyap highlights broader questions about creative fulfillment, commercial pressure, and the evolving relationship between filmmakers and their audience in Mumbai’s film world. The outcome of Kennedy’s delayed release, as well as the sustained popularity of films like Chhaava, may influence how future filmmakers navigate artistic vision and commercial realities in Bollywood.
