Overview

• Utekar told Kashyap he’s free to quit Mumbai’s film scene if he finds Bollywood too toxic, insisting no one is forcing his stay.
• He pointed to recent blockbusters like Baahubali, RRR, Pushpa and Chhaava, which grossed up to Rs 1,200 crore, to counter claims of a downturn.
• The director warned that filmmakers stuck in posh enclaves risk losing touch with the broader audience and urged them to engage with diverse communities.
• He challenged creators who label their work “misunderstood,” stressing that a filmmaker’s primary duty is to entertain rather than preach.
• Utekar advised industry insiders to observe everyday viewers firsthand—riding local trains, sipping roadside tea—to understand audience preferences.