In a candid conversation, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha opened up about his recent setbacks with his last two films, Anek and Bheed. Both projects, which came after a string of successful releases, failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike, leaving Sinha discouraged. However, in a recent interview, he shared how he managed to overcome the initial blow to his confidence and continued to stay committed to filmmaking.
Setbacks in a Once-Flourishing Career
Sinha, who gained acclaim with films like Mulk, Article 15, and Thappad, faced unexpected challenges with the release of Anek in 2022 and Bheed in 2023. Speaking to The Indian Express , Sinha admitted that the poor performances of these films initially shattered his self-assurance. “It almost discourages you from making more movies. It breaks your heart, it breaks your backbone. You lose confidence,” he confessed.
However, instead of letting these setbacks define him, Sinha decided to rationalise the situation. “I almost got encouraged not to make a film again. But then something else convinces you enough to do it again, and you look back and say, ‘No, it’s not a big deal, it’s okay.’”
A Dark Film During Uncertain Times
Sinha provided insight into what might have contributed to the underwhelming response to *Bheed*, which was released in black and white and focused on the grim reality of migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The director acknowledged that the timing and subject matter of the film were challenging. “I was making a dark film on the Corona tragedy, and in black-and-white, it didn’t work. It’s okay,” he said.
Despite the film’s failure to attract a wide audience, Sinha noted that he remains proud of the work he and his team put into it. “As long as you are not ashamed of your film, as long as people who participated with you in that film are not ashamed, you take it in your stride,” he explained.
The Filmmaking Journey: Hits and Misses
Reflecting on the ups and downs in his career, Sinha expressed a healthy perspective on success and failure. “When you read or write history, you turn a page, and you have gone past a decade in the history of filmmaking, so don’t take yourself that seriously,” he advised.
The director went on to explain that in an industry as unpredictable as filmmaking, not every project is bound to be a hit. “If you make 10 films, and if you end up making five films that are a hit, then you are doing rather fine,” he reasoned.
What Went Wrong With Anek and Bheed?
Released in May 2022, Anek featured Ayushmann Khurrana and Andrea Kevichusa in a story about peace talks in Northeast India. The film, which dealt with heavy political themes, was Sinha’s attempt to shed light on complex issues in the region. However, the movie fell flat at the box office, garnering just ₹9 crore in collections.
On the other hand, Bheed, released in 2023, depicted the heart-wrenching struggles of migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdown. Despite a strong cast, including Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar, and its emotional core, the film only earned ₹2.1 crore in India. The sombre tone and black-and-white aesthetic may have further limited its appeal to a wider audience.
A New Chapter With IC 814
Although Anek and Bheed didn’t perform as expected, Sinha’s latest project, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, has brought him back into the spotlight. The film, based on the infamous 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight, is currently enjoying success, proving that Sinha’s storytelling prowess remains intact.
Looking forward, the director appears undeterred by past failures, as he continues to work on more projects. His resilience in the face of setbacks demonstrates that even in an industry as volatile as Bollywood, the drive to create compelling stories will always prevail over temporary setbacks.