You mentioned that this is a very important film in today’s times.Why?
Because today everyone is making their own imaginary universe. But it is important to see the people who reside in our real universe whom we often don’t see. We don’t see the people who make our lives smoother – the plumbers, the watchmen, the sewage cleaners, etc.
Do you think a film like ‘Kastoori’ will change people’s perceptions?
If five people change, they change the chowk. If a film reaches even two people, the world becomes a little better. If it impacts even a small number of people, it makes a difference. however small. Change begins at home. If you can bring in a change at your home, you can bring a change in your community and if you can bring that change in your community, you can change the society. But forget about changing our family, we can’t even change ourselves.
Why did you choose to present ‘Kastoori’?
Ranjan Singh saw the film and showed it to me. I was moved. Ranjan wanted to present the film and I said, “Let’s do this.” We sold it to Nagraj Manjule. I said that Nagraj was much needed to release this film. His endorsement was most important. When Nagraj joined us, Cinepolis also came on board because Ranjan and Cinepolis share a good relationship. They decided to give us space to release the film.
Regular discussions are going on with regular distributors, and theatre owners and people are getting associated. All of us are trying to find a way to give space to independent films. I can only support it pro bono and Nagraj and I are supporting it pro bono because we like this film.
Tell us something about your film, ‘Kennedy’…
I was roaming around with that character. But I had not decided where to put that character. I tried a lot. I stole that character from Sudhir Mishra. That film never got made but that character stayed with me. I narrated a different version of that character to Mohan Lal also. I thought Rajeev Ravi would direct it but he couldn’t find the time for it.
But certain things happened during the lockdown and I felt that it was the correct time to bring this character. I just took things that were reported in the paper. I am making a character story so my focus was on Kennedy and what if these things were done by this fictional character? I weaved a story around it.
Were you concerned while making the film?
I don’t know why people are scared of me. They say that I have become political. But I made Gulal which was released in 2009. Wasn’t it a political film? Wasn’t Black Friday a political film? Why do people think that I am making my social and political commentary?
Watch: Anurag Kashyap graces IFFK 2023 with ‘Kennedy’
When you represent a region or a town, you automatically become political. For us, cinema is what is purely fictional. It has nothing to do with reality. I faced these things when I made Paanch. I was called to the Censor Board and was asked, “What is cinema?” I asked them the same thing. They said that cinema should be healthy and entertaining. I asked them who said that and what is the definition of entertainment. The definition of entertainment is that the audience is engaged and is forced to think. When the definition of entertainment is limited, the business from top to bottom is limited. Everyone is an expert – the film’s duration should be under two hours, these many songs and this and that.
Why is your cinema viewed from a different lens, whether it is the establishment, the Censor Board, or the general public?
I think expectations get established. If someone likes Black Friday then they expect you to make Black Friday all the time. People keep asking me when ‘Wasseypur 3’ is coming. Those who like Dev D ask me when I will be making something like that again. I am living with that constantly. I can’t do anything about it.
How did you deal with lockdown?
Lockdown was tough for me. I was not prepared for lockdown because I am someone who works non-stop. I couldn’t understand what to do in the lockdown. I will be ready if a lockdown happens again.
Has distancing yourself from social media impacted your work?
Nobody is stopping my work. But because I was so vocal on social media, people started getting scared that I knew everything. The day I left Twitter, and stopped watching and reading news, I realized that it’s not my business. My business is to make films and tell stories.
Did you face any issues with the Censor Board with Kennedy?
There were no issues. It’s not a ‘UA’ film. We asked for an ‘A’ certificate and we got it with minute cuts.
Are ‘rising anti-heroes’ the new formula for success in Bollywood?
You should ask this to those whose films have become blockbusters. Maybe they know the formula. I have realized that my films become successful 3-4 years after their release. Kennedy is a psychopath who can’t fit in anywhere. I have always liked crime films. I watch them, write them, make them.
You recently spoke about the health issues you faced in the past year…
I had only one heart attack. I faced health problems in 2021-22. I made Kennedy after I recovered from it.
When can we watch Kennedy?
They are figuring out the release date for Kennedy. Maybe early next year. I am writing and writing non-stop. I have so many scripts. I am ready whenever they get made.
What about Maximum City? Will you make it ever?
Yes, why not. Jab banegi tab banaunga.
Your daughter Aliyah is getting married soon…
She is engaged. She threw the party for her engagement. I got an invitation. She will decide when she wants to get married. I am not from that generation who asks, “When are you getting married?”
Are you happy now?
I am happy. I am free. I am independent.