Anurag Kashyap, a filmmaker who’s never been afraid to speak his mind, recently shared his frustration with the state of the Hindi film industry. In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kashyap didn’t hold back about his disappointment. He revealed that he’s so fed up with Bollywood’s “mindset” that he’s thinking of shifting to the South, where he hopes to find a more stimulating environment for his creative pursuits.
Kashyap, who’s known for bold storytelling and experimenting with cinema, expressed concern over how the industry operates today. “I’m disgusted by the mindset here,” he said. According to him, the obsession with turning actors into stars has overshadowed the focus on developing real talent. He blamed talent agencies for pushing this culture, saying they’re more interested in building celebrity careers than nurturing acting skills.
The filmmaker also mentioned that rising costs and financial pressure are making it harder for creators like him to take risks. “Right from the beginning, before the film even starts, it’s all about how to sell it,” Kashyap explained. “The joy of filmmaking gets sucked out when everything revolves around profit and margins.”
This isn’t the first time Kashyap has spoken about these issues. In the past, he highlighted how the entourage culture and skyrocketing budgets have added to the challenges of making meaningful films. For him, this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about losing the soul of cinema.
Kashyap says he’s had enough. “I want to move out of Mumbai next year,” he said. “I’m going to the South. I need stimulation. Otherwise, I’ll end up as an old man with no energy left to create.” The filmmaker believes the South Indian film industries are more welcoming to creative freedom and experimentation, offering him the fresh start he craves.
In recent years, South Indian cinema has been gaining massive popularity, not just in India but globally. Movies like RRR and Pushpa have brought attention to how the South continues to push boundaries while staying rooted in storytelling. Kashyap’s decision to explore this space isn’t surprising, especially given his hunger for innovation.
Fans have been divided over his statements. Some support his decision, saying it’s time more filmmakers called out Bollywood’s flaws. Others argue that change should come from within, and leaving the industry might not solve the problem.
Whatever the outcome, Kashyap’s bold move could spark a larger conversation about the state of filmmaking in India. His frustrations echo those of many artists who feel the pressure to compromise creativity for commercial success.
For now, Kashyap seems determined to make the leap. While he hasn’t shared details about his plans, it’s clear he’s ready for a change. As one of the few directors willing to address these issues head-on, his move might be the shake-up the industry needs.
Stay tuned to see how this story unfolds and whether Kashyap finds the freedom he’s seeking in the South. Whatever he does next, it’s bound to make waves—just like his films always do.
