‘They don't understand anything new or nuanced’: Anurag Kashyap on producers choosing ‘safe projects’

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has blamed producers for the lack of originality in Bollywood, arguing that while writers and directors have “fresh stories,” producers only chase safe, hit projects.

“Fresh stories hai, aisa nahin hai. Humari industry mein sabse badi dikkat hai producers, humare jo producers hain woh decide karte hain kya chalega aur kya nahin chalega kyunki woh sirf hit filmein banana chahte hain (It's not that there are no fresh stories. The biggest problem in our industry is the producers. They decide what will work and what won't because they only want to make hit films),” Kashyap told ANI.

“They don't understand anything new or nuanced. Writers and directors have a lot they want to do,” he added.

While speaking to ANI, the acclaimed filmmaker also spoke about how very few filmmakers stick to their stories despite rejection. Referring to the recently released blockbuster film 'Saiyaara', the filmmaker praised Mohit Suri for holding on to his film even after many producers said no.

The film, which starred debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, went on to become a surprise hit.

"Very few people hold on to their stories, like Mohit Suri did with Saiyaara. So many producers refused; nobody understood it. Usko naye logon ke saath banani thi, jaise banani thi waise banani thi, lekin usne chhodi nahin picture, usne suffer kiya uske liye, 6 saal 7 saal suffer kiya, banayi usne (He wanted to make it with new actors, in his own way, and he did not give up. He suffered for 6-7 years but still made it)," he opined.

He added that now everyone in the industry will see this development as a trend. "This herd mentality is among producers. The problem lies with them."

Meanwhile, Kashyap is gearing up for his next film, 'Nishaanchi,' a crime drama set in early 2000s Uttar Pradesh. The film introduces Aaishvary Thackeray in a double role as brothers Babloo and Dabloo, with Vedika Pinto in a key role. Nishaanchi will hit theatres on September 19. (ANI)