Anurag Kashyap leaves Bollywood, calls industry “too toxic,” moves out of Mumbai

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has announced his departure from Mumbai, citing increasing dissatisfaction with Bollywood's changing landscape. He stated that the industry has become "too toxic," with filmmakers chasing ₹500-₹800 crore box office numbers instead of focusing on creativity. Kashyap emphasized that he no longer wants to be around film industry people and has already paid rent for his new residence.

While he did not disclose his new location, reports suggest he has moved to Bengaluru. Kashyap mentioned that his decision was influenced by the growing trend of filmmakers leaving Mumbai due to the industry's shifting priorities. He highlighted that many Bollywood professionals have relocated to Dubai, Portugal, London, Germany, and the US in search of a better creative environment.

Kashyap has been vocal about his concerns regarding Bollywood’s profit-driven approach, which he believes has compromised storytelling. He stated that in the current industry climate, filmmakers worry about selling a film even before making it, which has diminished his passion for cinema. He also shared that the pressures of the industry have taken a toll on him and that moving out of Mumbai has provided relief.

Despite leaving the city, Kashyap confirmed that he is not quitting filmmaking. He is currently working on multiple projects in Malayalam, Hindi, and Tamil cinema. His departure marks a major shift, as he has been a key figure in independent and experimental filmmaking, known for movies like Gangs of Wasseypur, Ugly, and Kennedy.

Kashyap further revealed that since relocating, his stress levels have reduced, and he has quit alcohol. He reiterated that his primary reason for leaving was to find a space where he could focus on creativity without the commercial pressures that dominate Bollywood.