Amisha Pathania, Pune
Anurag Kashyap shared his thoughts on Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film ‘Animal,’ amidst controversies and strong audience responses by addressing criticisms about its violent and sexist content on Monday.
Anurag Kashyap, a prominent figure in the film industry known for his distinct style and critical insights, expressed his views on the crucial freedom required by filmmakers in their creative pursuits. Kashyap, though not having viewed ‘Animal’ yet, highlighted a pertinent aspect he believes requires attention within the film industry. “One significant flaw evident in such narratives is the lack of agency among the supporting characters. They often appear as mere props, serving to magnify the central figure,” he asserted, triggering a conversation about the depth of character portrayal in cinema.
However, the director also highlighted the importance of debates and discourses in stark contrast to the recent prevalence of cancel culture. “We must encourage healthy debates rather than succumbing to a culture of immediate cancellation,” Kashyap emphasized.
Expressing eagerness for the upcoming star-studded ‘Animal,’ featuring Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor, Kashyap conveyed his intent to engage directly with the film’s director post-viewing. “Once I’ve experienced Animal, I aim to delve into a dialogue with the filmmaker,” he affirmed. “Direct communication has always been my approach. I prefer contacting the filmmaker directly to discuss my concerns, steering clear of social media deliberations.”
Stressing the autonomy of filmmakers, Kashyap passionately defended their right to unrestricted creative expression. “No external entity should dictate the narrative content they choose to portray,” he firmly stated. He emphasized the importance of representing the diverse spectrum of characters and beliefs existing in society, asserting that filmmakers hold the prerogative to depict such realities. While acknowledging the validity of disagreements and criticisms, Kashyap advocated for filmmakers’ freedom to craft thought-provoking cinema devoid of unwarranted backlash.
He reiterated his intention to engage personally with the creator behind ‘Animal,’ favoring direct conversations over social media debates when addressing concerns about a film.