Mumbai: Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, celebrated for redefining Indian cinema with cult classics like Gangs of Wasseypur and Black Friday, recently shared a rare glimpse into his early struggles and the journey that shaped him into the indie icon he is today. Known for his fearless storytelling and penchant for tackling dark, unconventional subjects, Kashyap’s rise in Bollywood was anything but smooth.
Early Struggles in Mumbai
Before Kashyap became synonymous with gritty, hard-hitting cinema, he made his mark as a co-writer on Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya (1998) — a film that is now regarded as a turning point in modern Indian cinema. However, his directorial debut, Paanch (2003), never saw a theatrical release, owing to censorship issues that prevented audiences from witnessing the film in its intended form.
In a recent conversation with Komal Nahta on Game Changers, Anurag reflected on those early years and the offers he received from established producers. One anecdote that caught attention involved legendary producer Boney Kapoor. Kashyap recalled:
“Boney Kapoor once told me, ‘Why don’t you make a film? Just point to any building from Bandra to Juhu, and I will buy you a flat there.’”
Laughing, Anurag added, “I thought if he’s offering me a flat before my film’s release, maybe after it comes out, I’ll get a bungalow!” The story underscores the recognition of Kashyap’s raw talent even before he had a commercially released film to his name.
Paanch and Its Unreleased Legacy
Paanch, reportedly inspired by the Joshi-Abhyankar serial murders in Pune (1976–77), was a dark thriller that examined crime, youth, and the darker underbelly of society. Despite its compelling narrative, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) raised objections over the film’s violence, language, and depiction of drug use, ultimately blocking its release.
Reflecting on Paanch, Kashyap admitted that the film was a personal experiment. “I made Paanch with newcomers to prove that all you need is a story and storytelling, not stars. Even after Black Friday and Wasseypur, I couldn’t prove that point. Eventually, I stopped trying and started detaching,” he shared.
Over the years, however, Paanch achieved cult status online, influencing a generation of filmmakers and cementing Anurag’s legacy as a storyteller willing to challenge conventions and push boundaries.
Recent Projects and Continuing Struggles
Kashyap’s recent venture, Nishaanchi, released on September 19, 2025. The crime drama, directed and co-written by Kashyap, features Aaishvary Thackeray in his acting debut as twin brothers Babloo and Dabloo, alongside Vedika Pinto, Monika Panwar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kumud Mishra, and Vineet Kumar Singh in key roles.
Set in early-2000s India, the film explores themes of crime, betrayal, and redemption. Despite the strong ensemble and gripping narrative, Nishaanchi struggled commercially, earning approximately ₹0.25 crore on opening day and totaling around ₹1.3–1.4 crore in its first 12 days. While box office numbers did not reflect the film’s ambition, critics noted Kashyap’s continued commitment to telling bold and unconventional stories.
Looking Back and Forward
Kashyap’s journey from Paanch to Black Friday, Gangs of Wasseypur, and beyond highlights the challenges and contradictions of Indian cinema — a space where talent is recognized but often constrained by commercial and bureaucratic pressures. His recollections of Boney Kapoor’s offer serve as a reminder that the industry acknowledged his potential from the very beginning, even if circumstances delayed widespread recognition.
Through his work, Anurag Kashyap has consistently shown that storytelling, not star power, can define cinema, leaving a lasting imprint on both mainstream and indie audiences. While commercial success has occasionally eluded him, his passion for pushing narrative boundaries remains undiminished, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to dream beyond conventions.
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