Disclaimer: This conversation with Anurag took place before the release of Bombay Velvet
Almost 20 years in the industry and 10 films as a director later, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is unleashing his passion project, Bombay Velvet. A huge film by all means, not just for him but for the industry as well as its actors Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma. A lot is riding on Bombay Velvet. Even as Bombay of 60s has been recreated in Sri Lanka no less, there is definite authenticity that one expects in this mega crore production which has quite a few notable names attached to it. A love story at the core of it all, Bombay Velvet is also one of the most romantic affairs in his own characteristic style by Anurag Kashyap.
So what is it about Anurag Kashyap that when he makes a big film, it fetches quite some attention for itself?
Well, my logic is that I am a commercial filmmaker and tell commercial stories, but then I don’t tell them with commercial actors. I feel I am a better storyteller than many mainstream filmmakers but then they have access to bigger stars. My films so far haven’t taken an opening but then they have survived on word of mouth and that too in the cities; not everywhere. I think that aaj hamaare yahan filmon ki haalat isliye bhi kaafi kharaab hai because we are so dependent on stars and not content. This is why satellite has gone down also. We need to work on content.
No wonder, with Bombay Velvet a lot is at stake since he has much bigger stars (Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Karan Johar) at his disposal.
Yes, and I have a belief in my content too. My thing is that I have to attempt and do something that I have been saying so for so many years which is ‘let’s redefine mainstream’. Anyways, I guess there is no point me saying much because people will know for themselves when they see the film.