Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has once again voiced his frustration with Bollywood and the state of Indian cinema halls. In a recent interview with Forbes, the director revealed that his movie-watching experience has been “destroyed” by interruptions in Indian theatres, prompting him to watch films primarily at festivals.

Frustration with Theatres

Kashyap, known for his outspoken views, has previously stated that he is considering shifting to South Indian cinema due to dissatisfaction with Bollywood. Addressing the future of independent films, he remarked, “I have stopped looking into the future… I can talk about the problems that I face or that other filmmakers face, but I can’t talk about the future.”

He further explained his preference for film festivals, saying, “I wanted to be a filmmaker because I like watching films on the big screen. But in India, I hate the interruptions caused by intervals and public messaging like ‘this is bad for health, this is bad for the mind.’ It destroys my movie-watching experience.”

Commitment to Filmmaking

Despite his criticism, Kashyap remains committed to filmmaking and supporting new talent. He reflected on his journey, stating, “What if everything goes wrong? What if everything fails? I’ll go back to where I came from—standing on the street with a suitcase, wanting to make films. But I won’t stop. I know that I want to make films all my life.”

He emphasized the importance of independent voices in the industry, adding, “All the other things I did were to support filmmakers with distinctive voices. The more independent voices there are, the easier it will be for me to make films. When I started, there was no ground to play on.”

Struggles with Film Releases

Kashyap’s last directorial venture, Kennedy, received critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival but has struggled to secure a release in India. While he has not directed a film since, he has taken on acting roles in movies such as Leo, Maharaja, and Viduthalai Part 2.

The director’s remarks highlight the ongoing struggles of independent filmmakers in India, as well as the challenges posed by the current cinema landscape.