Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, known for his bold storytelling and unfiltered opinions, has once again stirred the pot with his scathing critique of Bollywood. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kashyap expressed his disappointment with the current state of Hindi cinema, claiming that Bollywood lacks the creativity and courage to produce a film like Pushpa: The Rise or its sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule.
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The Telugu blockbuster Pushpa 2, directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun, has become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2024, earning over ₹1760 crore worldwide. Kashyap’s remarks highlight the stark contrast between the filmmaking approaches of Bollywood and the South Indian film industry, sparking a larger conversation about creativity, risk-taking, and the evolving dynamics of Indian cinema.
Anurag Kashyap on Bollywood’s Creative Stagnation
In his interview, Anurag Kashyap didn’t hold back when discussing the shortcomings of Bollywood. He criticized the industry for its lack of innovation and its obsession with creating cinematic universes, often at the expense of storytelling.
“Bollywood Can’t Make a Pushpa”
Kashyap bluntly stated, “They don’t understand anything. They can’t even make a Pushpa. They cannot, because they don’t have the brains to make a film. They don’t understand what filmmaking is.”
He praised Sukumar, the director of Pushpa, for his unique vision and the South Indian film industry for empowering filmmakers. According to Kashyap, the South invests in its directors, giving them the creative freedom to take risks and tell compelling stories. In contrast, Bollywood, he argued, is too focused on creating cinematic universes without fully understanding the concept.
“When you create a universe, you think you’re God,” Kashyap said, pointing out the ego-driven approach of many Hindi filmmakers. He emphasized that storytelling should come first, and the obsession with building interconnected franchises often dilutes the essence of filmmaking.
The Success of Pushpa 2: A Lesson for Bollywood
Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, and Rashmika Mandanna, has been a massive success, both critically and commercially. The film’s worldwide earnings of ₹1760 crore have made it the third-highest-grossing Indian film ever, with expectations of surpassing Baahubali 2: The Conclusion soon.
Kashyap’s comments highlight the stark difference in how Bollywood and the South Indian film industry approach filmmaking. While the South prioritizes storytelling and invests in directors like Sukumar, Bollywood often plays it safe, relying on formulaic scripts and star power.
The success of Pushpa 2 serves as a wake-up call for Bollywood to rethink its strategies and focus on nurturing creative talent.
Anurag Kashyap on the Studio Model and Kennedy
In the same interview, Anurag Kashyap also criticized the studio-driven model that dominates Bollywood today. He argued that this system stifles creativity and leaves little room for filmmakers to experiment.
The Struggles of Kennedy
Kashyap cited the example of his film Kennedy, which premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim but has struggled to find a release in India.
“I’ve detached myself from Kennedy because I don’t want it to become like Black Friday. I will not let anything pull me down again in life,” Kashyap said, referring to the challenges he faced with the release of his earlier film, Black Friday.
Kennedy, starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, has been praised at international film festivals but remains unreleased in its home country. Kashyap’s frustration with the lack of support for independent cinema in India reflects a broader issue within the industry, where commercial viability often takes precedence over artistic merit.
Anurag Kashyap’s Legacy and Current Projects
Despite his criticism of Bollywood, Anurag Kashyap remains one of the most respected filmmakers in India. Known for films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Black Friday, and Dev.D, Kashyap has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling in Indian cinema.
While he hasn’t directed a film since Kennedy, Kashyap has been active as an actor, appearing in films like Leo, Maharaja, and Viduthalai Part 2. His willingness to experiment and take risks, both as a director and an actor, sets him apart in an industry often criticized for its lack of originality.
The Bigger Picture: Bollywood vs. South Indian Cinema
Kashyap’s remarks about Bollywood’s inability to make a film like Pushpa reflect a larger debate about the differences between Hindi cinema and South Indian cinema.
Why South Indian Cinema is Thriving
- Creative Freedom: Directors in the South are given the freedom to experiment and take risks, resulting in unique and compelling stories.
- Focus on Storytelling: Films like Pushpa prioritize storytelling over star power, creating a deeper connection with audiences.
- Investment in Talent: The South invests in its filmmakers, empowering them to bring their visions to life.
What Bollywood Can Learn
- Take Risks: Bollywood needs to move away from formulaic scripts and embrace innovative storytelling.
- Empower Filmmakers: Giving directors creative freedom can lead to more impactful and memorable films.
- Focus on Content: Instead of chasing trends like cinematic universes, Bollywood should prioritize strong narratives and character development.
Conclusion
Anurag Kashyap has once again sparked a much-needed conversation about the state of Bollywood and its creative stagnation. His critique of the industry’s inability to produce films like Pushpa highlights the need for a shift in priorities—from chasing trends to nurturing talent and focusing on storytelling.
As Bollywood grapples with these challenges, the success of South Indian films like Pushpa serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and risk-taking. Whether Bollywood will rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but Kashyap’s words are a call to action for filmmakers to rethink their approach and embrace innovation.
For now, Kashyap continues to be a voice of reason and a champion for meaningful cinema, both in India and beyond.
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FAQs
1. Why did Anurag Kashyap criticize Bollywood?
Anurag Kashyap criticized Bollywood for its lack of creativity and risk-taking. He argued that the industry is too focused on creating cinematic universes without understanding the essence of storytelling. Kashyap praised the South Indian film industry for empowering filmmakers and producing unique films like Pushpa.
2. What is Anurag Kashyap’s opinion on Pushpa 2?
Kashyap believes that Bollywood lacks the creativity and vision to make a film like Pushpa 2: The Rule. He praised director Sukumar and the South Indian film industry for their focus on storytelling and investment in filmmakers, which he feels is missing in Bollywood.
