Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has recently moved from Bollywood to the South film industry, settling in Bengaluru. He has expressed admiration for the opportunities and creative freedom available in southern cinema compared to the corporate-driven culture of Bollywood. Living in a clean and vibrant city, he has found new inspiration while working across multiple South Indian languages.
Kashyap has openly criticised Bollywood, stating that its corporate culture stifles creativity and limits artistic freedom. He revealed that despite attempting a big project with Ranveer Singh—Shaktimaan Reboot—he ended up losing two valuable years of his career. The project stalled midway, and the remake rights became a major hurdle. According to him, navigating Bollywood’s rigid structures can be frustrating for filmmakers.
In contrast, Kashyap praised the talent and dedication of South Indian actors and directors. He specifically highlighted actor-director Basil Joseph, calling him multi-talented and appreciating his performances in films like Phoneman and Minnal Murali. Kashyap was amazed by Basil’s ability to manage diverse roles and projects in a short span of two to three years. He noted that Basil’s work reflects a level of professionalism and creativity that is rare to see in Bollywood.
Reflecting on his own experience, Kashyap expressed regret over the lost time in attempting Shaktimaan. He explained that while Ranveer Singh tried to secure the remake rights from original Shaktimaan actor Mukesh Khanna, the deal could not be finalised. Kashyap admitted that the obstacles in Bollywood sometimes force talented creators to step back, while the South industry offers better creative scope.
Anurag Kashyap’s move highlights the growing appeal of southern cinema, not just for actors but also for filmmakers seeking creative freedom. His reflections underline the challenges of Bollywood’s corporate culture and the opportunities that South Indian cinema provides for innovation and growth.
