Anurag Kashyap Praises 'Dhurandhar' as Courageous, Critiques Film Propaganda

Anurag Kashyap, speaking at the Bengaluru International Film Festival, stated that making politically charged films like his earlier works is now impossible due to heightened sensitivities. He praised the recent film 'Dhurandhar' as a courageous mainstream effort, though he critiqued specific ideological dialogues as unnecessary. Kashyap also announced he is producing a Kannada adaptation of Vivek Shanbhag's novel 'Ghachar Ghochar'. He further analyzed changing audience habits and defended creative expression, as seen in the reaction to the 'Toxic' teaser.

Key Points: Anurag Kashyap on Courageous Films, Propaganda, and New Kannada Project

  • Calls 'Dhurandhar' a courageous mainstream film
  • Critiques unnecessary political monologues in cinema
  • Announces adaptation of Vivek Shanbhag's novel
  • Highlights cultural hypocrisy in reactions to 'Toxic' teaser
2 min read

'Dhurandhar' a good example of a courageous mainstream film: Anurag Kashyap

Anurag Kashyap calls 'Dhurandhar' courageous, critiques political monologues, announces Vivek Shanbhag adaptation, and discusses fearless filmmaking.

"In today's times, making films like Gangs of Wasseypur or Black Friday is impossible. - Anurag Kashyap"

Bengaluru, January 31

Bollywood actor-director Anurag Kashyap shared his views during a discussion titled 'Fearless Film Making' at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival, moderated by renowned film critic Baradwaj Rangan.

He discussed current trends in cinema, politics, and technology.

"In today's times, making films like Gangs of Wasseypur or Black Friday is impossible. Some subjects have become politically sensitive and lead to controversies," Anurag Kashyap opined.

"Directors from countries like Iran or Russia are making films despite facing far greater restrictions than us. Indian directors should draw inspiration from them," he said.

Speaking about the recent film 'Dhurandhar', director Anurag Kashyap said, "This is a good example of a courageous mainstream film. I liked the film, but I didn't like some of the ideologies. The dialogue about 'This is the new India' and one long political monologue, among a total of three scenes, were unnecessary; even without them, the film's impact would not have diminished."

Kashyap remarked that calling films 'propaganda' or 'promotion' is itself a form of propaganda.

"Hollywood's Marvel films propagate American supremacy, but no one criticises them from that perspective," he added.

Regarding the teaser of the Kannada film 'Toxic', he praised it as an extremely courageous attempt. "The outrage expressed against the teaser reveals our cultural hypocrisy. When male actors appear shirtless on screen or display excessive machismo, no one questions it. But when a woman celebrates her sexuality, it becomes hard to accept," he expressed disappointment.

Expressing his love for Kannada literature, Anurag Kashyap announced that he is producing a Kannada film adaptation of renowned writer Vivek Shanbhag's novel Ghachar Ghochar. The film is currently in the scripting stage and will later be made in Hindi as well. He said details about the director and cast will be announced soon.

He noted that today's audiences prefer watching films on mobile phones and that it is difficult to maintain attention for slow-paced films. "This is the result of changes in technology, not the fault of the audience," he analysed.

Responding to questions about political films, he poignantly said, "In Germany, films against Hitler came only after Hitler died. Everything requires its own time."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Respectfully, I disagree with his take on 'Dhurandhar'. If a film is about contemporary India, how can it avoid political commentary? The "new India" dialogue resonated with many. Art should reflect society, even the uncomfortable parts. His criticism feels a bit safe.
R
Rohit P
His comment about 'Toxic' is spot on! The hypocrisy is real. We glorify heroes beating up 100 people but get scandalized by a woman's confidence. Time to grow up as an audience. Also, super excited for Ghachar Ghochar's adaptation! That's a brilliant book. 🎬
S
Sarah B
The point about attention spans and mobile phones is so true. It's changing storytelling. Filmmakers have to adapt, but it's a shame if slow, thoughtful cinema gets lost. We need both kinds. His comparison with Iranian filmmakers is a good reality check for our industry.
V
Vikram M
Anurag sir always speaks his mind. But saying films like Gangs of Wasseypur are impossible now is a bit disheartening. Hope young directors don't get discouraged. We need raw, unfiltered stories from the heartland more than ever. Jai cinema!
K
Karthik V
The Hitler analogy is chilling but profound. It highlights the climate of fear. Artists often become truly free to critique only in hindsight. It's a sobering thought for anyone who believes in the power of film as a mirror to society.

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