Anurag Kashyap is one of India’s most influential filmmakers. Born on September 10, 1972, he is well-known for his bold storytelling, raw characters, and an unapologetic style of cinematography.
Kashyap chose the road less travelled as he chose to address the gritty realities, complex relationships, and socio-political issues through his movies, instead of creating basic romcoms or portraying the ‘saas-bahu’ dramas.
Kashyap began his career in the late 90s. He arrived in Mumbai with Rs. 5,000 in his pocket. the money ran out quickly, and Kashyap had to spend several nights on the streets, sleeping on the beaches. he managed to find work at Prithvi Theatre, where his first play remained incomplete because the director died.
With hard work, determination, and a will to create something that can shake the grounds of filmmaking, Kashyap gained fame for his unique narrative styles and unconventional themes. His works have been showcased at a global stage at film festivals such as Cannes.
Here are five of his best works of all time:
Black Friday (2007)
Balck Friday is based upon Hussain Zaidi’s book. It recounts the 1993 Bombay bomb blasts with documentary-style realism. Kashyap blended the sensitive subject with investigative storytelling and bold performances, which made it one of his most impactful films.
Dev.D (2009)
A path-breaking modern adaptation of Devdas, Kashyap reimagined the classic story with contemporary themes like drug abuse, modern relationships, and internet scandals. The film’s rawness, unique cinematography, and Amit Trivedi’s electrifying music gave it cult status.
Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)
It is Kashyap’s magnum opus. Spanning across generations, it features coal mafia wars, politics, and vengeance in Wasseypur. With its iconic dialogues, rural characters, and unfiltered violence, it revolutionized gangster dramas in India and became an international blockbuster.
Ugly (2014)
A gritty psychological thriller, Ugly is about the kidnapping of a child and the way it reveals the darker, egotistical aspects of human nature. The film itself is disturbing and has a lasting effect well after its conclusion.
Manmarziyaan (2018)
A Punjab-set love story, Manmarziyaan delves into contemporary relationships, bewilderment, and emotional decisions. Topped by Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, and Abhishek Bachchan’s robust performances, the film catches up with Kashyap’s trademark realism but also catches a lighter, musical note.
