Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, renowned for his work on The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files, has once again stirred controversy with his outspoken remarks about the Bollywood industry. In a recent interview on the Digital Commentary podcast, Agnihotri accused Bollywood directors of lacking the courage to publicly criticize major stars like Ranbir Kapoor, despite allegedly doing so behind closed doors.
In This Article:
Directors’ Hypocrisy Under Fire
Agnihotri expressed his frustration with the industry’s double standards, stating, “They don’t have the stature for it. If they have the guts to try, let them prove it.” He emphasized that while filmmakers may privately discuss the shortcomings of actors, they seldom confront them directly.
This criticism was particularly pointed in the context of the film Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Agnihotri noted that Vanga faced significant backlash for the film’s content and themes, yet Kapoor, the lead actor, received little to no criticism. Agnihotri suggested that this disparity was due to Kapoor’s established position in the industry, making him less susceptible to public scrutiny.
A Call for Accountability
Agnihotri’s comments highlight a broader issue within the film industry: the reluctance of filmmakers to hold stars accountable for their performances. He criticized directors for inflating box office numbers and creating a false perception of success, thereby shielding actors from genuine critique. He argued that this lack of transparency and accountability contributes to the industry’s stagnation.
Agnihotri’s Disillusionment with Bollywood
Beyond his critique of individual stars, Agnihotri has been vocal about his disillusionment with the current state of Bollywood. He has lamented the industry’s decline, attributing it to a combination of factors including the dominance of a few major studios, the rise of corporate greed, and a lack of fresh ideas. In a note titled “Bollywood is Falling,” Agnihotri stated, “Bollywood is in shambles. And that’s good for the industry. To erect a new building, you must demolish the old one. This is that time.”
He further criticized the new generation of actors, claiming that many lack basic skills such as proficiency in Hindi and emotional depth. He also accused them of being more interested in social media fame than honing their craft.
Industry Reactions
Agnihotri’s remarks have sparked a range of reactions within the industry. Some filmmakers and actors have expressed support for his views, agreeing that the industry needs a shake-up to foster genuine talent and creativity. Others, however, have defended Kapoor and other stars, arguing that public criticism should be constructive rather than disparaging.
By – Sonali
