Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, known for his unfiltered opinions, has opened up about the severe constraints facing creative expression in contemporary Indian cinema. In a recent, candid conversation, he stated that the current environment makes it impossible for him to return to the raw, gritty storytelling that defined his most celebrated works.
The End of an Era: Why Classic Kashyap Films Are Now Impossible
Addressing a common question from fans and critics about why he doesn't make films like Ugly, Dev.D, or Gangs of Wasseypur anymore, Kashyap was unequivocal. He bluntly stated that such projects simply cannot be made in today's climate. The primary barrier, according to him, is the censor board. He explained that the scripts and narratives that formed the backbone of his earlier career would not receive clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in the present day.
Kashyap pointed to a sweeping transformation in the entire filmmaking ecosystem over the last decade. "The political scenario has changed. Censorship has changed. Everything has changed," he remarked. He further critiqued the corporatization of Hindi cinema, noting that decision-making power now lies with entities that lack a genuine passion for the art form. "Plus, it's being run by corporates. Everything is being run by people who don't have skin in the game," he told Galatta Plus.
Southern Cinema's Edge: Producers With 'Skin in the Game'
Drawing a sharp and insightful contrast, Kashyap praised the consistent innovation found in South Indian film industries. He highlighted the success of new, low-budget films in Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu cinema, citing examples like The Girlfriend and Court: State vs. a Nobody.
He attributed their creative freedom and success to a fundamental difference in production ethos. "Why are they flying? It's because the producer has skin in the game," Kashyap asserted. He described this as an 'old school' approach where individuals who are deeply invested in cinema, both financially and emotionally, are the ones backing projects. This, he clarified, is a model largely absent from the current Hindi film landscape, where corporate risk-aversion often stifles unique voices.
On Superstars and Fan Bases: Why He Won't Direct Shah Rukh Khan
The director's trademark candour was on full display when asked about the possibility of directing megastar Shah Rukh Khan. Kashyap dismissed the idea outright, citing the immense pressure that comes with a massive fan following.
"No, I can't. Because his fan base is huge. Even if he agrees to adhere to my sensibilities, I still can't do it," he said. He humorously yet pointedly added, "When there is a massive fan base, if you disappoint them, they will murder the director." This statement underscores his belief that mainstream superstardom and his brand of filmmaking are currently incompatible.
Anurag Kashyap is currently promoting his upcoming film Bandar, starring Bobby Deol. The movie recently had its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), marking his continued presence on the global cinematic stage, albeit with evolved narratives shaped by the constraints he so vividly describes.
