Mumbai, March 5, 2025 – Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has turned his back on Bollywood, confirming his departure from Mumbai and the Hindi film industry, which he labels “too toxic” for creative survival. In a candid interview with The Hindu, the Gangs of Wasseypur director criticized the industry’s relentless pursuit of ₹500-800 crore blockbusters, arguing it has suffocated artistic freedom. Kashyap, now reportedly settled in Bengaluru, is shifting focus to South Indian cinema, where he seeks a more fulfilling creative landscape.
Bollywood’s Profit-Driven Downfall
Kashyap’s exit stems from years of frustration with Bollywood’s shifting priorities. “I want to stay away from film people,” he told The Hindu. “The industry has become too toxic. Everyone is chasing unrealistic targets, trying to make the next ₹500 or ₹800 crore film. The creative atmosphere is gone.” His remarks echo sentiments he shared with The Hollywood Reporter India last year, where he expressed disgust at the profit-first mindset that stifles experimentation. “The joy of filmmaking is sucked out,” he lamented, citing producers’ obsession with margins over storytelling.
The filmmaker’s critique highlights a broader trend: Bollywood’s race to replicate the pan-India success of South films like Pushpa 2 and Baahubali, often at the expense of originality. Kashyap, who once thrived in Hindi cinema’s indie space, now sees little room for risk-taking amid this commercial frenzy.
A New Chapter in Bengaluru and South Cinema
Sources close to Kashyap suggest he has relocated to Bengaluru, a growing hub for creative talent, though he has not officially confirmed his new base. His move aligns with a long-stated admiration for South Indian filmmakers, whom he envies for their ability to balance artistry and innovation. “I envy them,” he previously told The Hollywood Reporter India. “It’s difficult for me to experiment here. Producers think, ‘Where’s my profit?’ I say, ‘Don’t make this movie then.’ But I can’t keep doing this.”
Kashyap’s transition isn’t a retreat from cinema but a redirection. He remains active, starring as a fearless cop in Dacoit, a bilingual Hindi-Telugu film alongside Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur. Directed by Shaneil Deo, the project—yet to announce a release date—marks his deepening ties with South cinema.
Championing Regional Gems Like Footage
Even as he steps away from Bollywood, Kashyap continues to champion meaningful cinema. He is currently promoting the Hindi release of Footage, a Malayalam thriller directed by Saiju Sreedharan, set to hit theaters on March 7, 2025. Starring Manju Warrier, Vishak Nair, and Gayathri Ashok, the film—originally released in August 2024—reflects his commitment to spotlighting regional stories with universal appeal. As its presenter, Kashyap bridges linguistic divides, a role he’s embraced with projects like Kennedy and Vaghachipani.
A Wake-Up Call for Hindi Cinema?
Kashyap’s departure raises questions about Bollywood’s future. Once a celebrated voice in its indie circuit, his exit underscores a growing divide between commercial giants and auteurs seeking creative control. As he builds a new path in the South, his critique lingers: Can Hindi cinema reclaim its artistic soul, or will the ₹800 crore chase define its legacy? For now, Kashyap’s focus lies elsewhere, leaving Bollywood to grapple with its identity.