Anurag Kashyap Confirms Exit from Bollywood

Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, known for films like Gulaal, Black Friday, Gangs of Wasseypur, Dev D, and Manmarziyaan, has officially confirmed his departure from Bollywood and Mumbai. Kashyap has reportedly relocated to Bengaluru and is now focusing on South Indian films.

Reasons Behind His Exit

In a recent interview with a leading news daily, Kashyap stated that creative freedom no longer exists in the Hindi film industry, which has become entirely driven by box office numbers. He also mentioned in an earlier interview that Bollywood has become "toxic," prompting his decision to leave.

According to Kashyap, the industry's obsession with unrealistic box-office benchmarks—such as films grossing ₹500 crore or ₹800 crore—has eroded the creative atmosphere. He expressed frustration over Bollywood producers prioritizing financial projections over storytelling, which, in his view, kills the joy of filmmaking.

Admiration for South Indian Cinema

Kashyap praised South Indian filmmakers for the creative freedom they enjoy, stating that he envies their ability to focus on storytelling rather than business metrics.

Upcoming Projects

Last year, Kashyap impressed audiences with his performances in Maharaja (Tamil) and Rifle Club (Malayalam). Up next, he will be seen in the Telugu film Dacoit, directed by Shaniel Deo, starring Adivi Sesh.