Anurag Kashyap Bids Farewell to Bollywood: ‘The Joy of Filmmaking Is Gone’

Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has officially confirmed his departure from Bollywood, citing the industry’s excessive focus on box office earnings and the diminishing scope for creative expression.

In an interview with The Hindu, Kashyap reiterated his long-standing dissatisfaction with the industry’s “toxic” environment—an issue he had previously discussed with The Hollywood Reporter India last year.

Frustration with Bollywood’s Profit-Driven Approach

Kashyap expressed his envy towards southern filmmakers, highlighting his struggle to experiment within Bollywood. Speaking about the industry, he said, “These people are chasing margins, and 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,” Kashyap had previously told The Hollywood Reporter India.

During his conversation with The Hindu, Kashyap further emphasized his frustration, stating, “I want to stay away from film people. The industry has become too toxic. Everyone is trying to make the next Rs 500 or Rs 800 crore film. The creative atmosphere is gone.”

Relocation and Future Plans

A source close to Kashyap informed the publication that the filmmaker is likely relocating to Bengaluru, where he hopes to work with the South Indian film industry to satisfy his creative aspirations.

Kashyap is now looking forward to working on new projects with a clear and stress-free mindset.

His upcoming endeavors include directing a Malayalam-Hindi film and a Tamil film, allowing him to explore fresh creative avenues.

Upcoming Projects

Kashyap will soon be seen in Dacoit, where he plays the role of a cop. The bilingual film, shot in Hindi and Telugu, stars Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur in leading roles. The film’s release date has yet to be announced.

Additionally, he is currently promoting Footage, a Malayalam thriller directed by Saiju Sreedharan. Starring Manju Warrier, Vishak Nair, and Gayathri Ashok, the film was released in August last year.

Its Hindi version is scheduled to premiere on March 7, 2025. Kashyap is also serving as the film’s presenter.

A Legacy in Hindi Cinema

As one of the pioneers of modern Hindi cinema, Anurag Kashyap has delivered some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed and talked-about films, including the iconic two-part crime drama Gangs of Wasseypur.

However, he has been vocal about the evolving Bollywood landscape, which he believes has become entirely profit-driven, leaving little room for artistic expression.

Two months after announcing his intent to leave Mumbai, Kashyap has now followed through, relocating away from Bollywood’s epicenter.

Leaving Mumbai for a New Beginning

“I’ve left Mumbai. I want to stay away from film people. The industry has become too toxic. Everyone is chasing unrealistic targets, trying to make the next Rs 500 or Rs 800 crore film. The creative atmosphere is gone,” he stated in his interview with The Hindu.

Although Kashyap did not disclose the name of his new city, the publication, citing a close source, reported that he has moved to Bengaluru.

Reflecting on his decision, Kashyap shared that the people in Bollywood often try to bring others down.

He also mentioned that he is not alone in leaving Mumbai. “The biggest exodus is to the Middle East, especially Dubai. Others have fled to Portugal, London, Germany, and the US. These are mainstream filmmakers I am talking about,” he revealed.

Since relocating, Kashyap has experienced a positive transformation in his life, finding greater mental clarity and a significant reduction in stress.

He even noted that the move has led him to quit drinking. “My stress is much less, and I have left drinking,” he stated.