Anurag Kashyap: I make films for myself. If the viewers like it, they go and watch. If they don’t like it, they don’t watch it

Anurag Kashyap’s Dobaaraa was released on August 19. The sci-fi thriller that features Taapsee Pannu and Pavail Gulati has seen sluggish growth at the box office. However, the film has received positive to mixed reviews from critics. Taapsee, Pavail and producer Ektaa Kapoor visited Kolkata for a promotional trip on August 18. Later, Prosenjit Chatterjee hosted a special screening of Dobaaraa when Anurag Kashyap was also there. 

In an interview with Anandabazar, Anuraag said, “I make films for myself. If the viewers like it, they go and watch. If they don’t like it, they don't watch it. I never make a film thinking if the audience would like it. I have never made a film thinking if it would be appreciated and I will never do it in the future. My job is to tell stories. That can happen on a big screen, OTT, or even by downloading. My career is built on downloaded films. When the others are participating in a 100-meter race, I am just crossing a hurdle. If their films make money, I can make my films.”

Anurag has made a series of controversial statements, including ‘insecurities’ of male actors and why The Kashmir Files should not be sent to the Oscars. Talking about his statements, he said that he lives his life on his terms and he would not care what others think about him. He further added that he does not belong to the category of filmmakers who work with astronomical budgets. “There are filmmakers and producers who make films worth Rs 100-200 cr. they have greater risks. I don't belong to that race,” he said. 

Talking about how the industry should adjust to the post-covid situation, he said that all the stakeholders, including exhibitors, producers, directors and actors should work unitedly. He further added that there has to be an overhaul so that there is clarity in the system.