Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has candidly stated that audiences should not expect films like Ugly, Dev.D, or Gangs of Wasseypur from him again, citing stricter censorship and a changing creative environment in Bollywood.
In an exclusive interview with Galatta Plus, Kashyap reflected on how the landscape of Hindi cinema has shifted, making it increasingly difficult to produce bold, uncompromising films.
“I can’t make those films anymore,” Kashyap explained, emphasizing that such projects would not survive the current censorship process. He highlighted that questions from audiences about why he doesn’t make similar films miss the point: the political, cultural, and institutional environment has changed drastically. “The political scenario has changed. Censorship has changed. Everything has changed,” he said, noting that these factors directly impact what kind of cinema can be approved and released.
Kashyap also criticized the growing corporate control over Hindi cinema. He argued that many contemporary decision-makers lack personal investment in filmmaking, which has diluted creative risk-taking. “Everything is being run by corporates. Everything is being run by people who don’t have skin in the game,” he said, suggesting that commercial pressures now overshadow artistic ambition.
Despite these challenges, Kashyap acknowledged that meaningful cinema is still possible in India. He cited low-budget films like The Girlfriend and Court: State vs. a Nobody, which succeed because producers are personally invested in the projects. He contrasted this with the Hindi film industry, where corporate influence often stifles experimentation.
Kashyap also praised Tamil and Malayalam cinema for their consistent innovation and willingness to support new ideas. According to him, the creative backing in these industries allows filmmakers to evolve and push boundaries, something that Bollywood struggles with under commercial and institutional pressures.
While Kashyap may not revisit his iconic films, his insights underscore the challenges and changing dynamics of Hindi cinema, highlighting the impact of censorship, corporate control, and shifting cultural landscapes on creative freedom.
