Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has once again sparked debate with his characteristically unfiltered take on the Bollywood industry. While promoting his new film, Nishaanchi, Kashyap didn’t hold back, criticizing what he calls the “toxicity” within the fraternity and its persistent lack of unity. The director, known for his no-nonsense attitude, pointed out that industry members rarely stand up for each other, creating a fragmented and insecure environment. His comments offer a stark look at the underlying issues many believe plague Hindi cinema today, from its insular nature to its evolving relationship with technology.
Speaking to Zoom, Kashyap expressed his frustration with the industry’s disunity. “People who know me tell me, ‘You stand for everyone, who stands for you?’ I can say this very confidently that this industry can never be united,” he said. He believes this lack of solidarity prevents meaningful change and makes it difficult for new voices to emerge. As a director who has often championed independent cinema and new talent, Kashyap’s frustration stems from a long history of observing these dynamics firsthand. He argues that true creators don’t rely on industry circles; they simply focus on their craft.
To make his point, he cited the success of filmmakers Shoojit Sircar and Dibakar Banerjee, who work outside Mumbai. “Shoojit Sircar resides in Kolkata. Dibakar Banerjee is based in Himachal. Yet, they continue to create films,” he said. Calling himself a “secure filmmaker,” Kashyap emphasized that he focuses on storytelling and creativity rather than engaging in industry politics. This mindset, he suggests, is the key to longevity and authenticity in a business that often demands conformity.
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Anurag Kashyap About AI In Cinema
Beyond Bollywood’s internal issues, Kashyap also weighed in on one of the most pressing topics in the global film industry: the rise of Artificial Intelligence. He strongly opposed the AI-generated film Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal, produced by Vijay Subramaniam, calling it a betrayal of human creators. For Kashyap, while the use of AI in filmmaking may be inevitable, its application should be ethical and not at the expense of artists. “People will make films using AI, but when you represent a roster of artists and then do AI, that’s unethical for me,” he said, drawing a clear line between technological innovation and what he sees as a moral compromise.
Kashyap’s criticism extended to producers who back such ventures, as well as artists who support them, labeling them “spineless and cowardly.” He believes that a true artist should protect the sanctity of creativity and not endorse a technology that could potentially render human talent obsolete. Despite his concerns, Kashyap believes a reckoning is near. He predicted that “all the actors will unite the day AI replaces them,” emphasizing that technology should serve creativity, not replace it.
His film Nishaanchi, a gangster drama set in the heartland, delves into themes of family, love, and crime. It marks a significant project for its lead actor, Aaishvary Thackeray, who stars in a double role. The film also features a talented ensemble cast, including Vedika Pinto, Monika Panwar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Kumud Mishra. The film, released on September 19, explores complex human relationships against the backdrop of a gritty criminal world, showcasing Kashyap’s signature style of blending raw realism with compelling character-driven narratives.