Anurag Kashyap has delivered a harsh critique of Bollywood’s creative stagnation, asserting that the Hindi film industry lacks the vision and daring to create a movie like the Telugu blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise or its sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule.
In an interview, Kashyap highlighted Bollywood’s reluctance to take risks and invest in meaningful filmmaking. “Bollywood doesn’t understand filmmaking. They can’t even make a Pushpa because they don’t have the brains. They don’t invest in filmmakers. In the South, they empower filmmakers like Sukumar, who made Pushpa. Here, everyone is obsessed with creating ‘universes.’ Do they even understand their place in the universe they’re creating? It’s all ego-driven,” Kashyap stated.
Directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, Pushpa 2: The Rule has dominated the global box office, earning over $211.2 million and nearing the title of the second-highest-grossing Indian film.
Kashyap noted that the movie’s raw storytelling and compelling characters sharply contrast with Bollywood’s formulaic attempts.
He also criticized the increasing studio-driven model in Indian cinema, which he believes stifles creativity. Using his own film Kennedy as an example, he expressed frustration about its struggle for an Indian release, despite receiving accolades at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
“I’ve detached myself from Kennedy. I won’t let it drag me down like Black Friday did. This system doesn’t allow for creative freedom,” Kashyap remarked.
Kennedy, starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, has received critical acclaim at international festivals but remains unreleased in India. Since its Cannes premiere, Kashyap has shifted focus to acting, appearing in films like Leo, Maharaja, and Viduthalai Part 2.
