Pick any Anurag Kashyap film and there will be at least one character that will immediately dominate your mind space. Whether it is the dialogue or mannerism, Kashyap knows how to make a lasting impact.
Anurag Kashyap’s debut directorial venture, ‘Paanch,’ was supposed to be released in 2003, but it never made it to the big screen. Fans were left wondering about the missing ‘Paanch’ in the lyrics ‘Ek Do Teen Chaar Che’ in ‘Dev D,’ which added an element of mystery and personal meta-references in his work. Kashyap, known for his cinematography that delves into the shadows, continued to create films that were darker, complex, and utterly mesmerizing. The absence of light did not keep him from shining brightly as a filmmaker.
As Kashyap turns a year older on September 10, we revisit some of his most memorable characters over the years.
Talking about the characters his films have given us, it’s hard to talk about just one role that stands out in ‘Black Friday’. It is arguably one of the most perfect Hindi films in terms of scale, storytelling, and the ability to pull you into the chaotic world of Mumbai in 1993. The cast, including Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastava, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pawan Malhotra, and even a cameo by filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, left a lasting impression. The suffocating red interrogation room scenes and the bone-chilling confessions of suspects continually haunt viewers.
Continuing with an ensemble of colorful characters, Kashyap made ‘Gulaal,’ a film literally named after a color. Kay Kay Menon’s reunion with Kashyap showcased magnetic performances, but the true standout was Abhimanyu Singh’s portrayal of Rananjay Singh. From his smirks bookending his screen presence to his devastating impact, Singh’s character is unforgettable. The flow of expletives in the film is as poetic as it is profane, fitting seamlessly into Kashyap’s vision of campus politics and sinister ambitions.
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Another film that saw Kashyap’s unique touch was his reinterpretation of a tragic love story in ‘Dev D.’ Following in the footsteps of directors like Bimal Roy and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Kashyap injected his vision with elements of darkness and raw emotion, yet did so with a wry delight. Abhay Deol’s portrayal of a heartbroken lover blended perfectly with Kashyap’s storytelling, leading to a gripping and modern romance laced with complexity.
Anurag Kashyap then brought us the masterpiece ‘Gangs of Wasseypur,’ a film where distinguishing a single standout character among the many is nearly impossible. This film showcases a maddening display of genius writing and stellar performances. From Faizal Khan’s nuanced character to Sultan’s ruthless demeanor, the brilliance of Kashyap’s character construction is awe-inspiring. Another notable mention is Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Ganesh Gaitonde from the series ‘Sacred Games,’ which further solidifies Kashyap’s Midas touch in casting unforgettable characters.
In 2018, Kashyap ventured into the complexities of modern love with ‘Manmarziyaan’. The film featured Taapsee Pannu in the lead, as she navigates a turbulent emotional journey between her commitment-phobic lover, played by Vicky Kaushal, and the more stable, dependable Robbie, portrayed by Abhishek Bachchan. Through Pannu’s fiery performance, Kashyap explored the tensions of love, commitment, and self-discovery.
Anurag Kashyap’s films often feature a robust variety of characters, each indelible in their own way. His ability to maneuver through different genres while maintaining a unique storytelling style sets him apart in the world of cinema. His ability to delve deeply into his character’s psyches, often presenting them in morally complex or ambiguous situations, continues to be his signature style.
As the filmmaker celebrates his birthday on September 10, we celebrate the diverse, dark, and dazzling characters he has given us. From the memorable dialogues to distinctive mannerisms, his well-crafted personas remain etched in our minds, marking the illustrious journey of Anurag Kashyap as one of the most quintessential auteurs in Hindi cinema.
