Vivek Agnihotri Recalls Turbulent Collaboration with Anurag Kashyap on Goal, Cites Creative Clashes and Quits Mainstream Bollywood

Controversial filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, known for The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files, reflected on his challenging experience while making the film Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal.

During an interview with Digital Commentary, Agnihotri recalled his collaboration with Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane on the project and cited differences in vision and personal struggles as key reasons for the chaos on set.

Agnihotri stated that his working relationship with Kashyap deteriorated due to the latter’s personal issues, including alcoholism at the time.

He also indicated that he had disagreements with the film’s lead actor, John Abraham. These challenges eventually pushed him away from mainstream Bollywood.

Anurag Kashyap’s Alleged Behaviour

Speaking about his past interactions with Anurag Kashyap, Agnihotri said, “Of course I’ve interacted with Anurag. We worked together on Goal. He was writing the movie. Saif Ali Khan and Priyanka Chopra were supposed to do it, but Saif had some personal issues at the time, so he left. Then we got John and Bipasha. Anurag was a heavy drinker back then, and he couldn’t be trusted.”

Agnihotri claimed that Kashyap handed off responsibilities to Vikramaditya Motwane, saying, “He brought Vikram Motwane on board, who is a very talented guy. He told me, ‘Mera naya ladka hai woh kaam karega‘.”

According to Agnihotri, this shift in responsibilities led to a conflict in creative direction. “But they had a different vision for the film, which didn’t match with mine. Ultimately, we were at loggerheads.”

He added that the production team had to intervene because Kashyap had become difficult to manage. “He became a very big problem. We’ve worked closely, and we are cordial whenever we’ve met. But yes, he has said certain things about me on social media.”

Motwane’s Recollection

In a previous interview with Mid-Day, Vikramaditya Motwane shared his side of the story.

He described the original script, which he wrote with Kashyap, as one of his finest works. “So, UTV was producing the film, and Vivek had approached them with this story idea that he wanted to do about football, and they said okay. But he wanted a really good writer, so they called up Anurag.”

Motwane continued, “I wrote it, and they were happy. The film got made, but not exactly in the way that Anurag and me wanted, to put it mildly. But it is what it is. At that time, it was like beggars can’t be choosers, you got paid for work. I still believe the original script of mine is one of the best things I’ve written.”

Anurag Kashyap Responds

Reacting to Agnihotri’s accusations, Anurag Kashyap shared an Instagram story disputing the claims.

He wrote, “Kitna jhootha hai ye aadmi. Shooting London mein hui thi. I was in India. He didn’t want the script by Motwane or me. He wanted to make Lagaan of football and took his own writer to write that crappy script. Neither me nor @motwayne went on the set ever. Stop posturing @vivekagnihotri (sic).” Motwane also reshared Kashyap’s post, seemingly supporting his statement.

Agnihotri’s Candid Take

In his Digital Commentary interview, Agnihotri was forthright about the film’s behind-the-scenes issues.

He recalled, “I have worked with him (Anurag Kashyap). We were doing the film Goal together. He was the writer of the film. Saif Ali Khan and Priyanka Chopra were supposed to do it, but Saif had some personal issues at the time, so he left. Then we got John and Bipasha. Anurag uss time bahut sharab peeta tha toh usko time ka koi hisaab nahi tha.”

He further added, “Phir voh Vikramaditya Motwane ko le aaye, bola mera ek ladka hai, woh help karega. Dheere dheere saara kaam Vikramaditya ko hi de diya.

Main jo bana na chah raha tha, yeh log ki soch kuch alag thi, yeh kuch aur hi bana na chah rahe the. Ultimately, we were at loggerheads. The production house had a word with Anurag… Anurag ko handle karna mushkil ho gaya.”

The Final Film

Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal featured John Abraham, Bipasha Basu, Arshad Warsi, and Boman Irani in lead roles. The film was produced by Ronnie Screwvala under UTV Motion Pictures and directed by Vivek Agnihotri.

Despite the creative challenges during production, the film was eventually completed, though it was not made in the way its original writers had envisioned.

Kashyap’s Reflection on Sobriety

Anurag Kashyap has previously spoken about his battle with addiction. In an interview at Annapurna College of Film and Media, he shared, “When I was dealing with a lot of things in the industry, I was also an alcoholic for a brief period of time. I was an addict and I went to de-addiction centre, after which I discovered new details about my writing process.”

Kashyap is widely recognised for acclaimed films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Black Friday, and Ugly.

The episode has once again highlighted the often unspoken creative conflicts and personal battles that occur behind the scenes in Bollywood.