Laxman Utekar urges filmmakers to evolve as audiences access global cinema on phones

Filmmaker Laxman Utekar has called on his peers to evolve creatively in response to the changing landscape of cinema consumption, where audiences now access global films on their phones.

"Aaj audience ke paas apne phone mein duniya bhar ka cinema hai. They are more updated than you. They know what to watch and what not to," Utekar said, emphasizing the need for filmmakers to keep pace with evolving audience tastes.

Addressing Anurag Kashyap's recent decision to quit Bollywood and his claim that audiences lack the sensibility to appreciate his films, Utekar countered,
"Woh galat bol rahe hai jab woh kehte hai ki audience ko sensibilities nahi hai unki film accept karne ki... balki unki sensibility nahi hai audience ka taste accept karne ki."

He pointed to the commercial success of recent blockbusters like Baahubali, RRR, and Pushpa, which have earned collections up to ₹1200 crore, and Chhaava's ₹800 crore as evidence that cinema is thriving, not dying.

Utekar stressed that filmmakers must be mentally and creatively happy to produce great films, echoing his advice to Kashyap:
"Agar aapka mann nahi hai yahan rehne ka toh aap great film kaise banaoge? Aap chale jao, isse acha."

His remarks highlight a broader industry challenge: adapting to a globalized, digitally connected audience whose tastes are shaped by worldwide cinema accessible anytime on mobile devices.

As the film industry evolves, Utekar's message is clear — filmmakers must embrace change and innovation to stay relevant and successful.

Filmmaker Laxman Utekar urges peers to evolve creatively as audiences access global cinema on phones, challenging Anurag Kashyap's view that viewers lack sensibility. Utekar highlights booming box office hits like Baahubali and RRR, emphasizing filmmakers must adapt to changing tastes in a thriving industry.