Chhaava director Laxman Utekar SLAMS Anurag Kashyap’s ‘cinema is dying’ remark with stirring reality check: ‘Unki sensibility…’

Renowned movie-maker and performer Anurag Kashyap has delivered many notable films in the industry. Recently, he made headlines due to his comments about the industry. In an interview with The Hindu, he expressed that he has moved away from Mumbai and desires to distance himself from the ‘poisonous’ movie world. He further stated that cinema is currently declining. However, Laxman Utekar, director of the film “Chhaava”, responded to his remarks by stating that Kashyap lacks the discernment to acknowledge the preferences of the audience.

In an interview with Mama’s Couch, Laxman Utekar voiced his disagreement with Anurag Kashyap, stating that he is mistaken in asserting that the audience lacks the sophistication to appreciate his films. He further explained, “Shoojit Sircar does not possess the sensitivity to understand the taste of the audience.

The director of Chhaava added more details, citing instances where films such as Bahubali, RRR, Pushpa, and even his own movie Chhaava (with Vicky Kaushal in the main character) had collected over 700-800 crore at the box office. This, he argued, contradicts the idea that cinema is declining.

Laxman suggested that the filmmaker needed to shift his perspective, as he seemed to be creatively stagnant. In a detailed discussion, he acknowledged that contemporary viewers possess a deeper understanding of films due to easy access through mobile devices.

He also shared that every three years, cinema undergoes significant changes, which means that as filmmakers, it’s essential for them to adapt and evolve along with these changes. They can’t afford to remain fixed in old ways and complain about the audience lacking sensitivity.

Previously, during an interview with The Hindu, Anurag Kashyap discussed his decision to leave Mumbai in order to separate himself from the film industry. He described it as ‘harmful’ and explained that he felt a decline in his creativity and increasing stress due to unattainable demands.

In the same conversation, Laxman Utekar expressed his feelings and suggested that if Anurag wishes to depart, he is free to do so. He further stated that people can create movies only when they’re creatively content, as it’s impossible to pour one’s heart into a project when compelled to do so.

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2025-05-31 12:07