Kashyap Speaks Out on Cinema Censorship, Political Films, and Double Standards

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap delivered candid insights on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema during a session titled “Fearless Film Making” at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival. Speaking with film critic Baradwaj Rangan, Kashyap reflected on the increasingly restrictive environment facing filmmakers in today’s India.

“In today’s times, making films like Gangs of Wasseypur or Black Friday is impossible,” Kashyap admitted, referencing two of his most acclaimed works. “Some subjects have become politically sensitive and lead to controversies.”

The director, known for his unflinching approach to social commentary, urged Indian filmmakers to look beyond national borders for inspiration. He specifically highlighted filmmakers operating under more severe restrictions who continue to produce meaningful work.

“Directors from countries like Iran or Russia are making films despite facing far greater restrictions than us. Indian filmmakers should draw inspiration from them,” Kashyap noted, suggesting that creativity can flourish even under challenging political climates.

Addressing recent releases, Kashyap praised the film “Dhurandhar” as a “courageous mainstream film” while criticizing certain elements he considered unnecessarily political. “I liked the film, but I didn’t like some of the ideologies,” he said. “The dialogue about ‘This is the new India’ and one long political monologue, among a total of three scenes, were unnecessary; even without them, the film’s impact would not have diminished.”

Kashyap challenged the frequent labeling of Indian films as propaganda, arguing that such characterization is itself politically motivated. “Calling films ‘propaganda’ or ‘promotion’ is itself a form of propaganda,” he stated. He compared the situation to Hollywood, noting, “Hollywood’s Marvel films propagate American supremacy, but no one criticizes them from that perspective.”

The filmmaker also defended the controversial teaser for Kannada film “Toxic,” starring Yash, calling it “an extremely brave attempt” and suggesting the backlash exposed cultural hypocrisy. “When male actors appear shirtless on screen or display excessive machismo, no one questions it. But when a woman celebrates her sexuality, it becomes hard to accept,” Kashyap observed, highlighting gender-based double standards in Indian cinema reception.

In a noteworthy announcement, Kashyap revealed his production company is adapting Vivek Shanbhag’s acclaimed novel “Ghachar Ghochar” into a Kannada film. “The film is currently in the scripting stage and will later be made in Hindi as well,” he said, though details about the director and cast remain under wraps.

The director also addressed changing audience behaviors, acknowledging how technology has transformed viewing habits. “Audiences today increasingly watch films on their mobile phones, making it harder for slow-paced narratives to hold attention,” Kashyap said. “This is the result of changes in technology, not the fault of the audience.”

When questioned about the future of political cinema in India, Kashyap offered a historical perspective rather than direct criticism. “In Germany, films against Hitler came only after Hitler died. Everything requires its own time,” he remarked, suggesting that truly critical political cinema often emerges retrospectively rather than contemporaneously.

Kashyap’s comments come at a time when Indian filmmakers face increasing scrutiny from both government entities and online communities. His insights reflect broader concerns within the industry about creative freedom, political pressure, and the changing relationship between filmmakers and audiences in the digital age.