Anurag Kashyap Reveals He Left Mumbai, Calls Bollywood 'Too Toxic'

Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has officially confirmed his decision to leave Mumbai and relocate to South India. In a recent interview with The Hindu, he described Bollywood as "toxic," explaining that the industry has become obsessed with unrealistic financial targets rather than creativity.

A source close to the filmmaker revealed that he has likely shifted to Bangalore. Kashyap, who has often been vocal about his discontent with the Hindi film industry, reiterated that the creative atmosphere in Bollywood has diminished.

I want to stay away from film people. The industry has become too toxic. Everyone is chasing unrealistic targets, trying to make the next ?500 or ?800 crore film. The creative atmosphere is gone.

- Anurag Kashyap

Earlier, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Anurag had expressed his frustration with Bollywood’s increasing focus on profits over storytelling. He admitted that he envies South Indian filmmakers, who still have the freedom to experiment. Kashyap shared that in Bollywood, projects are scrutinised for their marketability even before they go on floors, which he finds stifling. "The joy of filmmaking is sucked out," he remarked, adding that this was a key reason behind his move. He confirmed, "Literally, next year, I'm moving out of Mumbai."

Currently, Anurag Kashyap is promoting the Malayalam film Footage, directed by Saiju Sreedharan. The film, starring Manju Warrier, Vishak Nair, and Gayathri Ashok, was released last year, and its Hindi version is set to release on March 7, 2025.

Apart from filmmaking, Anurag is also stepping into acting. He will be seen portraying a fearless cop in Dacoit, a film shot in both Hindi and Telugu. The movie features Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur in lead roles, though its release date is yet to be announced.