Noor-us-Sabah
Indian filmmaker, director, writer, and actor Anurag Kashyap has officially announced his departure from Bollywood and Mumbai. At 52, Kashyap, who has been a key figure in the Bollywood film industry since 1998, now considers the industry “toxic” after dedicating 27 years to it.
According to Indian media reports, Kashyap has relocated to South India, specifically Bangalore, citing the increasingly unhealthy environment in Bollywood. He criticized the industry for becoming an unrealistic and profit-driven space where filmmakers constantly chase extravagant budgets ranging from Rs500 to Rs800 crores (approximately 60 to 95 million USD). This relentless pursuit of financial success, he believes, has overshadowed genuine creativity and storytelling.
Kashyap expressed his disappointment with the diminishing creative space in Bollywood, revealing that he no longer finds the industry inspiring. He admitted feeling envious of South Indian filmmakers, who, according to him, are thriving in a more artistically fulfilling environment. Seeking fresh inspiration, he decided to distance himself from the Bollywood scene and explore new opportunities in South India.
Furthermore, Kashyap emphasized that the industry’s obsession with profitability has made filmmaking less enjoyable. He pointed out that producers are primarily concerned with returns on investment rather than artistic expression. As a result, filmmakers now spend more time strategizing how to sell their work rather than focusing on storytelling.
This shift in priorities, he explained, has led him to step away from Bollywood. By moving to Bangalore, he hopes to rekindle his passion for filmmaking, immerse himself in a more encouraging creative atmosphere, and work on projects that align with his artistic vision.
Kashyap’s decision marks a significant change in his career, highlighting the ongoing transformation within the Indian film industry. While Bollywood continues to push for large-scale productions, the South Indian film industry is emerging as a space where artistic integrity still holds value. For Kashyap, this move is not just about relocation but about rediscovering his creative identity.
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