Anurag Kashyap slams Bollywood for focusing on ‘star power’, praises 12th Fail, Laapataa Ladies: ‘They would fill these roles with big stars’

As a longtime admirer of Anurag Kashyap’s fearless approach to filmmaking and his unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling, I find myself wholeheartedly aligned with his views on the Hindi film industry. His experiences as both a director and actor have given him a unique perspective that allows him to see the flaws in our industry more clearly than most.


Film director and performer Anurag Kashyap, recognized for his frank perspectives on delicate matters, has lately expressed thoughts about the Hindi film industry’s undue attention towards star power. He posits that this focus significantly contributes to southern movie industries surpassing Bollywood in terms of performance. Kashyap commended the latest release “Kill,” asserting that Bollywood frequently prioritizes stardom over genuine storytelling.

According to The Hindu’s report, Anurag Kashyap praised the film “Aavesham” featuring Fahadh Faasil and pointed out that the makers were daring for giving key roles to three influencers instead of opting for popular stars. He stated, “In the realm of Bollywood, these parts would typically be filled by big names, prioritizing stardom over narrative authenticity.”

As a long-time movie enthusiast and someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of Bollywood, I can attest to the fact that while repetitive formulas may be the norm, stepping out of the box can lead to truly exceptional films. Last year’s “12th Fail” and this year’s “Laapataa Ladies” are shining examples of originality leading to success.

Apart from that, he mentioned the backlash his movie, Maharaja, received due to its violent content, comparing it to the response Kill received. He stated, “Kill is an action-packed film, yet it maintains a unique identity of its own.” Likewise, he addressed the criticism Maharaja faced for its violence, a situation similar to that of Kill.

In an earlier conversation with Humans of Cinema, this filmmaker-actor criticized Bollywood for extravagant spending. He expressed his viewpoint by saying, “Much of the money spent is not used in producing the film. Instead, it’s diverted towards unnecessary items and the entourage.”

He emphasized that filmmaking isn’t merely a casual pastime, but rather requires dedication, effort, and imagination. He highlighted that a significant chunk of the budget goes towards purchasing equipment and hiring staff. For example, he mentioned that even when shooting in a secluded jungle, a car might be sent to a city three hours away to get a high-end burger, which illustrates the high expenses involved.

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2024-08-03 10:52