Bollywood director Anurag Kashyap has revealed that he has shifted his base from Mumbai to Bengaluru. In a chat with The Hindu, Kashyap divulged that the poisonous atmosphere in Bollywood and overemphasis on profits were the reasons behind his shift. He also said that Bollywood has become very ‘toxic’ and has a profit-driven focus.
Why Anurag Kashyap Left Bollywood
Anurag Kashyap, who is well known for directing Gangs of Wasseypur, spoke out about being unhappy with how Bollywood has shifted. In a conversation with The Hindu, he stated, “I’ve left Mumbai. I want to stay away from film people. The industry has become too toxic. Everyone is chasing unrealistic targets, trying to make the next Rs 500- 800 crore film. The creative atmosphere is gone.”
The director also spoke of admiration for the freedom of creativity in the South Indian film world. He has just played an antagonist in Maharaja, which also featured Vijay Sethupathi and received massive praise.
A New Era in Bengaluru
In December, Kashyap provided a hint about his move out of Mumbai and into South India. A source had confirmed his move to The Hindu, saying that he wished to keep himself away from Bollywood.
Kashyap, 52, described his irritations with the Hindi film sector, stating, “a city is not just a structure but also its people. People here… they pull you down.”
New Ventures in the South
Currently settled in Bengaluru, Kashyap is working on new projects. He is marketing the Hindi version of his Malayalam film Footage and is also producing a Tamil film and a Malayalam-Hindi production.
Earlier, Kashyap had informed The Hollywood Reporter India that he was ‘frustrated with the Hindi film industry’ and wanted to venture into South Indian cinema.
His decision represents a big change in his life, as he welcomes the artistic possibilities of the Southern film industry while bidding goodbye to the commercial pressures of Bollywood.
