Anurag Kashyap‘s remarks about “cinema dying” and moving “away from the toxic industry” raised eyebrows in the Indian film fraternity.
It, however, did not sit well with one filmmaker — Laxman Utekar, who’s currently enjoying the success of his biopic with Vicky Kaushal, Chhaava.
In an unfiltered conversation, Laxman Utekar gave Kashyap a reality check, which saw him effectively turn Kashyap’s criticism back on him.
“It’s Not The Audience — It’s You”, Utekar
In response to Kashyap’s frustration with today’s cinema culture, Utekar said:
“Balki unki sensibility nahin hai audience ka taste accept karne ki. Cinema is not dying — your connection with the audience is.”
Utekar pointed to the huge box office success of films like Baahubali, RRR, Pushpa, and even Chhaava to support his claims.
“If cinema was dying, how are films earning ₹800 crores?”
He reflected on the abrupt confrontation and added that the audience is undoubtedly very much alive, as long as you provide them with what they want.
The Need To Evolve: “Update Yourself Every 3 Years”
He also spoke openly about how cinema consumption has changed.
“Every three years, cinema changes. You have to change along with it. You can’t exist in the past and demonise the audience because they don’t ‘get’ your cinema.”
He highlighted that audiences today are tech savvy — they have access to international content on their mobiles.
As filmmakers, it’s incumbent upon one to adapt and reinvent oneself in this rapidly changing landscape, rather than wallow in isolation.
“No one is forcing you to stay”;
In a particularly scathing moment, Utekar responded to Kashyap’s recent criticism that he wants to leave behind Mumbai’s ‘toxic’ film industry.
“If you feel that way, toh jao. No one is forcing anyone to stay. Creativity cannot endorse pressure. If you are feeling unhappy, you cannot make good cinema.”
This was following Kashyap’s recent interview, where he also lamented the loss of creative freedom and increased intrusion into the filmmaking process.
A Director Who’s Walking the Talk
Laxman Utekar is not just talking numbers — he is delivering them.
Chhaava, featuring Vicky Kaushal, has struck a chord with audiences and critics and has become another success for Maddock Films.
Utekar has developed a knack for mainstream cinema combined with solid low-key (Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, Luka Chuppi), and his professional journey now stands in stark contrast to Kashyap’s more introspective writing about abandoning commercial storytelling.
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Box Office Worldwide Verdict
In a world where opinions come thick and fast, Laxman Utekar’s grounded and data-supported response to Anurag Kashyap comes as a breath of fresh air. Rather than lament, Utekar shows how to persistently evolve, engage, and entertain today’s audiences. As Chhaava moves with confidence at the box office, he makes it very clear:
Cinema is very much alive and well — you just have to be willing to evolve with Laxman Utekar’s physical and metaphorical way.
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