Anurag Kashyap Criticizes Bollywood for Prioritizing Star Power Over Storytelling

Filmmaker and actor Anurag Kashyap has recently made headlines with his new film, Maharaja. This South Indian film stars Vijay Sethupathi and has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Since its release on Netflix, Maharaja has reached a global audience and become one of the most-discussed movies of the year, praised for its engaging screenplay and thrilling storyline.

In a recent interview with The Hindu, Anurag Kashyap criticized Bollywood for focusing too much on star power rather than on storytelling. He expressed admiration for the Malayalam film industry, which he believes takes more creative risks. Kashyap noted that Malayalam cinema often casts influencers in significant roles, as seen in the film Aavesham, whereas Bollywood tends to rely on big stars.

He said, “In Malayalam cinema, they are not afraid to take risks, such as casting influencers in key roles. In Bollywood, they would fill these roles with big stars, focusing on star power rather than telling a real story.” Kashyap praised Malayalam cinema for its originality and for telling unique, personal stories. He remarked that filmmakers in the Malayalam film industry create movies that cater to their own interests rather than just market trends.

Kashyap also highlighted how Malayalam films like Bramayugam are made in black and white, showcasing their commitment to making the films they genuinely want to create. This, he believes, sets them apart from other industries, including Bollywood.

On the professional front, Anurag Kashyap recently appeared in Maharaja and the series Bad Cop starring Gulshan Devaiah. He is currently working on a Tamil-language film titled One 2 One, which also features Nitu Chandra and Sundar C in significant roles. Kashyap continues to be a prominent figure in the film industry, both as an actor and a filmmaker.