Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has confirmed that he is stepping away from Bollywood, citing an increasingly “toxic” industry environment that prioritizes commercial success over creativity. In a recent interaction with The Hindu, Kashyap expressed his frustration, revealing that the industry is now solely focused on churning out massive box office hits, leaving little room for artistic freedom.
“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,” he stated.
A Move Towards South Indian Cinema
According to The Hindu, sources suggest that Kashyap has relocated to Bengaluru and is now interested in exploring South Indian cinema for a more fulfilling creative experience. This is not the first time he has voiced concerns about Bollywood’s current state. In an earlier conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, he admitted feeling “disgusted” and “disappointed” with how filmmaking has turned into a numbers game.
“I envy South filmmakers because they still have the freedom to experiment. In Bollywood, it’s all about ‘how do we sell this film’ even before it begins. The joy of filmmaking is sucked out,” he remarked.
Upcoming Projects and Future Plans
Despite stepping away, Kashyap remains active in cinema. He will appear in Dacoit, where he plays a cop alongside Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur. He is also promoting Footage, a Malayalam thriller set to release in Hindi on March 7, 2025.
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