Anurag Kashyap’s Latest Film ‘Kennedy’ Premieres at Cannes 2023. Anurag Kashyap, the acclaimed filmmaker renowned for his unfiltered opinions on storytelling and cinema, recently made headlines at Cannes 2023 with the premiere of his latest film, ‘Kennedy.’ However, amidst the glitz and glamour of the international film festival, Kashyap also found himself embroiled in discussions about the state of the Hindi film industry and the controversy surrounding director Sandeep Reddy Vanga.
Defending Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the director of ‘Animal,’ Kashyap expressed admiration for Vanga’s honesty, contrasting it with what he perceives as pretense prevalent in the industry. In an interview with Zoom TV, Kashyap stated, “I like the guy (Sandeep). I have no problem with him. Unlike a lot of people in the industry who pretend to be someone they are not, he is honest.” Kashyap emphasized his preference for honesty and applauded Vanga’s genuineness, despite any disagreements others may have with his approach.
Addressing criticism of his own work, particularly regarding ‘Dev D,’ Kashyap reflected on the challenges he faced and his commitment to engaging in dialogue. He recounted a five-hour conversation with Vanga, indicating his willingness to understand different perspectives and engage with filmmakers regardless of controversies surrounding their work. Kashyap’s stance highlights his belief in the importance of open communication and his aversion to cancel culture and isolation.
The filmmaker’s daughter, Aaliyah Kashyap, further probed him on his support for Vanga, expressing her own reservations about ‘Animal’ being perceived as “horrible” and “misogynistic.” Kashyap reiterated his stance, emphasizing the need for conversation over condemnation, drawing from his own experiences of facing backlash for ‘Dev D.’ He cautioned against isolating and attacking individuals within the industry, advocating for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to addressing controversies and differences in creative expression.
Anurag Kashyap’s unwavering support for Sandeep Reddy Vanga amidst industry scrutiny underscores his commitment to integrity and dialogue in the world of filmmaking, while also shining a light on broader discussions surrounding authenticity and toxicity within the Hindi film industry.