Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has once again spoken openly about the Hindi film industry. He said Bollywood gives in to powerful people more easily than South Indian cinema. In a recent talk with Janice Sequeira, Kashyap explained why he thinks this happens. He said the main reason is that Bollywood depends heavily on Hindi-speaking audiences, while South industries do not.
Kashyap is known for films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Ugly. He has never held back from sharing his views on how Bollywood works. This time, he pointed out that once people in Bollywood say yes to certain demands, they find it hard to say no later. The benefits that come with that first yes make it almost impossible to walk away.
The Problem Starts With the First Yes
Kashyap said he does not think people in Bollywood give in to pressure willingly. The trouble begins when someone agrees to a demand just once. After that, they receive benefits, and then they cannot refuse similar requests in the future.
“I don’t think anybody’s doing it willingly. Given in, then you are given in forever.”
He compared this situation to opening a door that cannot be closed again. Once you say yes to a few things, you cannot shut that door because the yes comes with big rewards. And after you take those rewards, you are stuck.
The filmmaker also said that people who make these compromises know exactly what is happening. They are not unaware of their choices.
“They’re aware, they’re woken up, they also feel embarrassed, they also sometimes feel ashamed. They also can’t do anything about it.”
According to Kashyap, this is why nobody does anything about it unless they are asked personally. People feel trapped and cannot break free from the cycle.
Why South Cinema Does Not Face the Same Pressure
Kashyap explained why he believes South Indian film industries are different. He said these industries have very strong regional cultures that cannot be divided easily.
He pointed out that the center of power wants to capture Hindi-speaking audiences. So only those who want to make a mark in the Hindi market end up bending. Other industries do not face this pressure.
“South doesn’t get compromised because they don’t depend on Hindi.”
This is the core of his argument. Bollywood’s need to reach Hindi viewers makes it weak. South Indian cinema can survive and grow without relying on the Hindi market. This gives them more freedom to say no.
Kashyap Has Criticised Bollywood Before
This is not the first time Anurag Kashyap has spoken against Bollywood. He has previously called the industry “toxic” because of its focus on making huge money at the box office. He said people in Bollywood only care about making ₹500 or ₹800 crore films. This obsession, according to him, kills creativity.
He also criticised the lack of a healthy creative space in Hindi cinema. Earlier this year, he shared his plans to leave Mumbai and move to Bengaluru. He said he wanted to get away from the frustrating environment of Bollywood.
His Recent Film ‘Bandar’ Got Good Reviews But Low Earnings
Kashyap’s latest movie as a director is Bandar. The film was produced by Nikhil Dwivedi under his banner Saffron Magicworks. It stars Bobby Deol in the lead role.
The cast also includes Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi, Saba Azad, Indrajith Sukumaran, Raj B. Shetty, and Jitendra Joshi.
Critics praised the film. Many called it one of Kashyap’s best works in recent years. However, the positive reviews did not bring in big numbers at the box office. Bandar collected only ₹4.97 crore.
This shows the struggle even experienced filmmakers face in today’s movie business. Despite making a well-received film, Kashyap could not get the commercial success that many Bollywood projects aim for.
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What This Means for Bollywood and South Cinema
Kashyap’s comments add to the ongoing discussion about the differences between Bollywood and South Indian cinema. In recent years, films from the South have done extremely well across India. Movies like Pushpa, RRR, and KGF have become national hits. They have shown that you do not need to depend on the Hindi market to succeed.
Many believe this is why South filmmakers have more creative freedom. They are not chasing the same audience as Bollywood. This allows them to take risks and tell stories that feel authentic to their region.
Kashyap’s point about power and compromise is important. He is saying that when an industry depends too much on one market, it becomes vulnerable. People in that industry will do what it takes to keep that market happy. This can lead to a loss of integrity and creative independence.
The filmmaker has also recently spoken about other issues. He voiced support for protests demanding education reforms. He questioned police action against protesters on social media. He wrote that he did not know you have to sell your soul to wear a police uniform.
These comments show that Kashyap is not afraid to speak his mind. Whether it is about the film industry or larger social issues, he says what he thinks.
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