In a recent conversation with Gadgets 360, renowned Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap shared insights into his working style while in self-isolation due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “I enjoy collaborating with people who have ample time,” Kashyap stated. The director of acclaimed works like the 2012 crime saga Gangs of Wasseypur emphasized that his actors are integral to his creative process, noting that during the production of Choked, his latest film, his cast resided with him at home.
Kashyap, 47, is set to release Choked on Netflix this Friday, marking a significant milestone as it becomes his first feature film to bypass traditional theatrical distribution entirely. This approach aligns with his established methods while also adapting to new norms.
ANURAG KASHYAP, the writer
While the film was never produced, it caught the attention of Ram Gopal Varma, leading to Kashyap’s breakout opportunity with the crime drama Satya. He described working on this film as an educational experience akin to a “two-and-a-half-year” film school, enabling him to learn various facets of filmmaking.
Satya opened doors for further collaborations with Varma and significantly advanced Kashyap’s career, rooted in the recognition garnered from his earlier work.
ANURAG KASHYAP, the writer-director
A run of bad luck
The misfortunes continued with Black Friday, which documents the 1993 Bombay bombings. Its release was delayed indefinitely due to legal issues. Kashyap’s attempts to pursue other projects like Allwyn Kalicharan also stalled due to a lack of support.
By 2005, he found himself working on Grand Hotel, which similarly faced challenges and was shelved. He later attempted to create Gulaal, a film exploring student politics and regional aspirations in Rajasthan; however, production faced setbacks when the producer fell ill.
Reflecting on that turbulent period, Kashyap remarked, “For seven years, I faced a barrage of setbacks with five projects, leading to delays and abandonment.” Yet he views this phase positively, asserting that it shaped his character and creative perspectives. Kashyap acknowledged that the challenges served as a reality check, preventing him from becoming overly complacent.
Lady Luck smiles
2010 marked a pivotal year as Kashyap embarked on the ambitious project Gangs of Wasseypur. Spanning over five hours, the film chronicled a violent feud among crime families, reflecting Kashyap’s preference for expansive storytelling. “I love delving deep into narratives,” he explained, valuing the opportunity to give characters substantial development.
The film premiered in 2012 and was well-received, securing Kashyap’s status on an international scale. Subsequently, Netflix expressed interest in adapting Gangs of Wasseypur into a miniseries for the US market, making it among the first Indian acquisitions on the platform.
Kashyap noted, “For the series, we recorded commentary with the cast and crew, although I’m uncertain of its availability in India.” The success of Gangs of Wasseypur significantly liberated Kashyap, allowing him creative freedom to pursue projects he was passionate about, including Ugly, exploring the darker side of human nature.
His subsequent project, Bombay Velvet, featured an extravagant budget and well-known actors but faltered both critically and commercially. This prompted Kashyap to pivot to the contemporary narrative style seen in Raman Raghav 2.0, inspired by the infamous serial killer.
ANURAG KASHYAP, the director
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