Anurag Kashyap(PC: X)
Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has officially announced his departure from Bollywood, citing frustration over the industry’s growing obsession with box office numbers and declining creative freedom. In a recent conversation with The Hindu, Kashyap revealed his disappointment with the current state of filmmaking in Mumbai and his plans to explore opportunities in South Indian cinema.
A Disillusioned Filmmaker
Kashyap has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Bollywood for some time. Last year, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, he expressed his disappointment with the industry’s toxic environment and profit-driven mindset. Reiterating his stance in his latest interview, he stated, “I want to stay away from film people. The industry has become too toxic. Everyone is chasing unrealistic targets, trying to make the next Rs 500 or Rs 800 crore film. The creative atmosphere is gone.”
A source close to the filmmaker has indicated that Kashyap has likely relocated to Bengaluru, where he intends to collaborate with South Indian filmmakers for a more fulfilling creative experience.
Admiration for South Indian Cinema
Anurag Kashyap has openly praised South Indian filmmakers for their ability to experiment with storytelling without being constrained by commercial pressures. Comparing his experience with them, he remarked, “I envy them. Because now, it’s difficult for me to go out and experiment. It comes at a cost, which makes my producers think about profit. The joy of filmmaking is sucked out.”
His frustration with Bollywood stems from the industry’s increasing focus on financial viability rather than artistic expression. He further added that the pressure to ensure profitability has made it difficult to take risks, leading him to make the decision to leave Mumbai.
Upcoming Projects in South Cinema
Despite his departure from Bollywood, Anurag Kashyap remains active in the film industry. He is set to appear in Dacoit, a bilingual film shot in Hindi and Telugu, where he plays a cop alongside Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur. The release date for the film is yet to be announced.
Additionally, Kashyap is promoting Footage, a Malayalam thriller directed by Saiju Sreedharan. Starring Manju Warrier, Vishak Nair, and Gayathri Ashok, the film was released in August last year, with its Hindi version set to premiere on March 7, 2025. Kashyap is also associated with the project as a presenter.
A New Chapter in Filmmaking
Anurag Kashyap’s exit from Bollywood marks a significant moment in Indian cinema, highlighting the growing divide between commercial success and artistic freedom. As he embarks on a new journey in South Indian films, his fans eagerly anticipate the fresh creative ventures he will undertake.
His decision raises important questions about the future of Bollywood and whether the industry will adapt to accommodate filmmakers who prioritize storytelling over box office figures. For now, Kashyap remains committed to his craft, even if it means stepping away from the mainstream Mumbai film industry.
