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Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap called out the lack of unity in Bollywood while also criticising the rise of AI films, warning of its risks for creators.
Anurag Kashyap’s next directorial Nishaanchi will release on September 19.
Anurag Kashyap is known for being outspoken, and once again, the filmmaker has sparked conversation with his unfiltered opinions. While promoting his upcoming film Nishaanchi, Kashyap opened up about the current state of Bollywood, criticising what he called the “toxicity” within the industry.
The director, whose gangster heartland drama stars Aaishvary Thackeray in a double role along with Vedika Pinto, Monika Panwar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Kumud Mishra, said the film is about family, love, and crime, and is slated for release on September 19. However, it was his candid remarks about the fraternity that have caught everyone’s attention.
“Bollywood Can Never Be United”
Speaking to Zoom, Kashyap said the industry rarely stands up for its own. “People who know me tell me, ‘You stand for everyone, who stands for you?’ I can say this very confidently that this industry can never be united,” he explained.
Citing examples of filmmakers Shoojit Sircar and Dibakar Banerjee, who live outside Mumbai yet continue to create films, Kashyap emphasized that location or personal insecurity has never stopped true creators. He described himself as a secure filmmaker who focuses on stories rather than industry politics.
Kashyap, celebrated for championing rooted, realistic stories and supporting new talent, has never shied away from making strong statements. Recently, he stirred debate with his stance on AI-generated cinema.
Kashyap’s Criticism of AI in Films
The director strongly opposed the AI-generated film Chiranjeevi Hanuman—The Eternal, produced by Vijay Subramaniam. Kashyap called the project a betrayal of human creators, accusing producers of prioritizing profits over artists. “People will make films using AI, but when you represent a roster of artists and then do AI, that’s unethical for me,” he said.
While he acknowledged that AI’s use in cinema is inevitable, Kashyap urged that those representing writers and directors should not simultaneously back AI-driven content. He even labeled artists supporting such ventures as “spineless and cowardly.”
Still, Kashyap believes a tipping point will come. “All the actors will unite the day AI replaces them,” he predicted, adding that ethical use of technology should not come at the cost of creativity.
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, …Read More
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, … Read More
September 19, 2025, 05:13 IST
