18th August 2023, Mumbai: Vivek Agnihotri has never been one to hold back his thoughts, especially when it concerns the Bollywood industry. His latest tirade against industry stalwarts like Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar has the media buzzing.
Agnihotri Accuses Shah Rukh Khan of Ruining Bollywood
Drawing the ire of SRK fans everywhere, Agnihotri claimed the superstar is responsible for ruining the essence of Bollywood. In a candid chat with India.com, Agnihotri said, “SRK’s politics have overshadowed the craft, leading to an industry dominated by PR and glamour.”
Collaborating with Shah Rukh Khan? Unlikely, says Agnihotri
The filmmaker went on to suggest that a collaboration between him and Khan is unlikely unless Khan is ready to take a backseat. He mentioned, “In my movies, the story is the hero.”
Agnihotri on SRK: “He Thinks Audiences are Dumb”
Taking another jab at SRK, Agnihotri criticized the superstar’s approach to cinema, contrasting Khan’s ‘box-office’ oriented films with his own ‘people-centric’ projects.
Agnihotri vs. Johar: A Clash of Ideologies
The ‘Vaccine War’ director didn’t spare Karan Johar either, critiquing him for promoting a westernized version of Indian culture. Agnihotri feels Johar’s influence is stifling genuine Indian talent.
Agnihotri’s Mission: Changing Bollywood
Despite his criticisms, Agnihotri clarified that his intent is to better the industry. He dreams of a Bollywood that isn’t just about glitz but also acts as India’s soft power globally.
Om Raut’s ‘Adipurush’: A Bone of Contention
Agnihotri joined in the chorus of voices criticizing director Om Raut’s decision to make ‘Adipurush’, urging him to create with conviction and not follow trends blindly.
Lavish Lifestyles Over Quality Cinema?
The director voiced concerns over Bollywood’s splurge culture, pointing out the excessive spending on stars’ lifestyles while neglecting cinematic quality. He particularly criticized the industry’s spending habits, hinting at the box office success of ‘Pathan’.
Agnihotri’s Response to Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s plea to support ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ met with a sharp response from Agnihotri. He emphasized that smaller films with equally hardworking crews often get overshadowed by Bollywood’s influential circles.
Agnihotri’s Next Venture: ‘The Vaccine War’
On the professional front, Agnihotri’s next, ‘The Vaccine War’, is eagerly anticipated. Known for choosing riveting subjects, the director is expected to deliver another hit.
Vivek Agnihotri remains one of Bollywood’s most outspoken figures. While his comments often stir controversy, they also spark essential discussions about the direction the industry is heading in.