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 with his character portrayals.
Anurag Kashyap’s debut directorial that was supposed to release in 2003 called ‘Paanch’ never saw the light of the day. This added an air of mystery to the missing ‘Paanch’ in the lyrics ‘Ek Do Teen Chaar Che’ in the movie ‘Dev D’. The puzzle was finally solved by the maker himself; the reference to his unseen debut being both mysterious and meta. Following this, the filmmaker’s cinema only grew darker and more dazzling, an irony in itself that no one can deny. He proved beyond doubt that one doesn’t have to be in the limelight to shine.
As the filmmaker turns a year older on September 10, we look back at some of his memorable characters.
Talking about the characters his films have brought to life, it’s hard to talk about only one role that stands out in ‘Black Friday’. Touted as arguably one of the most perfect Hindi films in terms of scale, story, and immersing the viewers into the scary world of Mumbai of 1993, it leaves an indelible mark. Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastava, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pawan Malhotra, and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali in a cameo, each leave a lasting impression. The red interrogation room is suffocating enough for the viewers, and the suspects’ bone-chilling confessions adding to the film’s intense atmosphere.
The captivating ensemble continued with the colour-titled film ‘Gulaal’. Menon reuniting with Kashyap was magnetic as ever, but the highlight of the enterprise was Rananjay Singh, played astoundingly by Abhimanyu Singh. His character’s first and last scenes have him wearing the same smirky expressions, but the impact is devastatingly different each time. Expletives flow like poetry and wine in Kashyap’s world, especially in this drama about campus politics and demonic intents.
After Bimal Roy and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, it was Kashyap’s turn to give the tragic love story his own touch.
. And he did, in a way that only he could: with gore and darkness, yet not without a sense of delight. Abhay Deol’s portrayal of a heartbreak blended impressively with the filmmaker’s vision of this fictional tale of romance.
Then came ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, where it’s impossible to single out just one character in this maddening display of ingenious writing and incredible performances. With a plethora of complex characters, choose your favorite. Not many filmmakers write characters the way Kashyap does. One might often feel Kashyap alone is the ‘God’ of his cinematic world. Let’s not forget Ganesh Gaitonde from Sacred Games, who also stands out as one of the most notable characters in Kashyap’s repertoire.
In 2018, Kashyap gave his interpretation of a modern love triangle with ‘Manmarziyaan’. Here, the fiery protagonist Taapsee Pannu finds herself in a tug of war between her passionate love for Vicky, her non-committal partner, and Robbie, who introduces her to a level of tranquility she never knew she craved.
Kashyap’s knack for creating characters that leave an everlasting impact is evident in these films and roles. His skilled storytelling ensures that the characters resonate, each carrying their own distinctiveness and depth, making them unforgettable.
As the filmmaker turns a year older, it’s a fitting moment for fans and cinephiles alike to celebrate the vivid, gritty, and sometimes bizarre world of characters Kashyap has offered through his films. It remains clear that his unique voice in Indian cinema has paved the way for new narrative experiences, continually setting the bar for character creation and story development. Reflecting on his body of work, Anurag Kashyap’s characters remain emblematic of his storytelling genius, ensuring his mark on Indian cinema endures.
In conclusion, Kashyap’s films are a testament to his ability to breathe life into characters that are not just a product of imagination but also reflections of human vulnerabilities, complexities, and idiosyncrasies. As we celebrate yet another year of his life, it’s undeniable that Kashyap’s characters will continue to dominate our mind space and the fabric of Indian cinema for years to come.
