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Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap Confirms Leaving Mumbai, Calls Bollywood ‘Toxic’
Updated on: 06 March, 2025 11:44 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Anurag Kashyap
Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has confirmed his relocation from Mumbai to South India. In a recent interview, he revealed that he has left Bollywood behind, citing the industry’s toxic nature. This decision comes after he previously hinted at moving in an interview last year.
The filmmaker also disclosed that he has recently paid the first rent for his new house. While he did not reveal the exact location, reports suggest he has likely moved to Bangalore. He remains tight-lipped about his new city or state, keeping his relocation details private.
Also Read: Anurag Kashyap Talks About the Dark Side of Filmmaking and Bollywood Industry
Kashyap’s move to South India does not come as a surprise. In a 2024 interview, he openly expressed admiration for South Indian filmmakers and their creative freedom. He had said, “I envy them (South filmmakers). Because now, it`s difficult for me to go out and experiment. Because now, it comes at a cost, which makes my producers think about profit. They`re like, ‘Where are my margins? I’m losing money.’ I`m like, ‘You don’t want to make this movie? Don’t make this movie.’ But I just cannot. Because right from the beginning, before the film starts, it becomes about ‘how do we sell it?’ So the joy of filmmaking is sucked out. That`s why I want to move out. Literally, next year, I`m moving out of Mumbai.”
His frustration with Bollywood`s profit-driven mindset was a key factor in his decision to relocate. He believes that South Indian cinema still values creativity and experimentation over box office numbers.
Also Read: 5 Films That Show The Raw and Gritty Side of Mumbai
Footage was initially released in August 2024, and its Hindi-dubbed version is scheduled to hit theatres on March 7, 2025, more than six months after its original release. Kashyap explained the delay, stating, “The Hema Committee report had come out around the time of Footage’s release. The 2024 Wayanad landslides had also happened. With everything going on in the Malayalam film industry, we decided to hold off for the right time.”
Also Read: When Gangsters Called Pankaj Tripathi After Gangs of Wasseypur
Kashyap Blames Bollywood’s Toxicity
Kashyap criticised the current state of Bollywood, saying, “I want to stay away from film people. 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 dissatisfaction with the industry`s obsession with high-budget blockbusters led him to seek a more creative space elsewhere.The filmmaker also disclosed that he has recently paid the first rent for his new house. While he did not reveal the exact location, reports suggest he has likely moved to Bangalore. He remains tight-lipped about his new city or state, keeping his relocation details private.
Also Read: Anurag Kashyap Talks About the Dark Side of Filmmaking and Bollywood Industry
Kashyap’s move to South India does not come as a surprise. In a 2024 interview, he openly expressed admiration for South Indian filmmakers and their creative freedom. He had said, “I envy them (South filmmakers). Because now, it`s difficult for me to go out and experiment. Because now, it comes at a cost, which makes my producers think about profit. They`re like, ‘Where are my margins? I’m losing money.’ I`m like, ‘You don’t want to make this movie? Don’t make this movie.’ But I just cannot. Because right from the beginning, before the film starts, it becomes about ‘how do we sell it?’ So the joy of filmmaking is sucked out. That`s why I want to move out. Literally, next year, I`m moving out of Mumbai.”
His frustration with Bollywood`s profit-driven mindset was a key factor in his decision to relocate. He believes that South Indian cinema still values creativity and experimentation over box office numbers.
Also Read: 5 Films That Show The Raw and Gritty Side of Mumbai
Anurag Kashyap on the Work Front
Despite his move, Kashyap remains actively involved in cinema. He is currently promoting the Malayalam film Footage, which is presented by him. The 2024 film stars Manju Warrier, Vishak Nair, and Gayathri Ashok. It is an experimental found-footage thriller set during the pandemic and marks the directorial debut of editor Saiju Sreedharan.Footage was initially released in August 2024, and its Hindi-dubbed version is scheduled to hit theatres on March 7, 2025, more than six months after its original release. Kashyap explained the delay, stating, “The Hema Committee report had come out around the time of Footage’s release. The 2024 Wayanad landslides had also happened. With everything going on in the Malayalam film industry, we decided to hold off for the right time.”
Also Read: When Gangsters Called Pankaj Tripathi After Gangs of Wasseypur
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