Seven years after the blockbuster hit ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ stormed Indian cinema, acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap has unveiled a startling revelation: the film that solidified his position as a master storyteller also “ruined” his life. While the film remains a cult classic, Kashyap’s post-release experiences provide a riveting narrative that sheds light on the pressures and pitfalls that accompany unprecedented success.
The genesis of the issue dates back to June 22, 2012, the release date of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the movie is based on real-life events, portraying the grueling clash between a gangster and a coal mining mafia. Featuring a powerhouse ensemble cast including Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Manoj Bajpayee, Huma Qureshi, Richa Chadha, and Tigmanshu Dhulia, the film swiftly gained a staunch following. With gripping performances and memorable dialogues, it etched itself into the annals of Indian cinema as a modern-day classic. Its success was unprecedented, earning accolades and topping box office charts, effectively becoming a milestone in Kashyap’s career.
The success, however, proved to be a double-edged sword for Kashyap. Seven years after its debut, the celebrated director took to social media to candidly share his plight. “Seven years back is exactly when my life got ruined. Since then, all everyone wants me to do is the same thing over and over again, whereas I have only been unsuccessfully trying to get away from that expectation. Anyways, I hope that ‘Saadhe Saati’ is over by the end of 2019,” Kashyap tweeted on his X account.
What Kashyap elaborated on was the immense pressure and typecasting he faced post-‘Wasseypur’. Fans and critics alike began to pigeonhole him, expecting the same style of filmmaking repeatedly, which led to a creative stifling. Attempts to diversify his cinematic offerings were met with resistance, as audiences clamored for more gritty gangster dramas akin to ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’. This incessant demand pushed Kashyap into a creative quagmire, where every new project was relentlessly compared to his magnum opus.
Revisiting the brilliance of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, it is impossible to overlook Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s portrayal of Faizal Khan.
. His iconic lines like “Baap ka, dada ka, bhai ka, sabka badla lega re tera Faizal,” encapsulate Faizal Khan’s all-consuming quest for vengeance. These lines, coupled with Nawazuddin’s intense delivery, have achieved monumental status within the cultural lexicon of Indian cinema. Similarly, dialogues such as “Tumse na ho payega” and “Keh ke loonga” have cemented his character’s place as a linchpin of the narrative, showcasing his scornful dismissal and ruthless determination.
The film’s significance was further underscored when it was re-released briefly in theaters from August 30 to September 5, reigniting its influence among old fans and reaching new audiences. In addition, Kashyap’s directorial prowess is evident in his broader filmography, which includes critically acclaimed movies like “Black Friday,” “Dev.D,” “Gulaal,” “Ugly,” “Raman Raghav,” “Mukkabaaz,” and “Manmarziyaan.” These works showcase his versatility and refusal to be confined to a singular genre, despite the shadow of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ looming large.
The re-release coincided with the 12-year celebration of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur 2’ on August 8, a sequel that further entrenched the franchise in the public’s heart. This celebration reignited discussions on the film’s timeless dialogues and stellar performances, with Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s role garnering particular attention. His portrayal remains etched in the collective memory of fans due to his impeccable delivery and the enduring resonance of his lines.
While ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ has bestowed Kashyap with unparalleled recognition, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities associated with monumental achievements. The scars left by this success story highlight a broader issue within the entertainment industry—the perilous balance between meeting fan expectations and maintaining creative freedom.
As audiences continue to rediscover and appreciate ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, it remains crucial to recognize the creative struggles faced by artists in the wake of their own success. Kashyap’s candid revelations invite a broader discourse on the pressures of artistic expectations and the creative sacrifices that often go unnoticed.
In retrospect, the legacy of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ is not confined merely to its narrative and cinematic excellence. It extends into the real-life struggles of its creator, offering a sobering exploration of the highs and lows that come with trailblazing triumphs.
