Anurag Kashyap quits Bollywood calling it 'too toxic,' now headed to South India

Filmmaker-actor Anurag Kashyap has officially exited Bollywood, labelling the industry 'too toxic' as per a report by The Hindu.

Known for films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Kashyap criticized the obsession with box office targets, stating, ‘Everyone is chasing ₹500-800 crore films. The creative atmosphere is gone,’ expressing frustration over producers prioritizing profits over storytelling.

Notably, in December 2023, Kashyap told The Hollywood Reporter India he felt 'disgusted' and 'disappointed' with Bollywood’s profit-driven mindset. 'The joy of filmmaking is sucked out. That’s why I’m moving out,' he said while praising South Indian cinema for offering creative freedom.

Relocation and Industry Migration

Kashyap confirmed he has left Mumbai, with sources suggesting he relocated to Bengaluru. The director has also reportedly emphasized improved mental and physical health post-move, adding he quit alcohol to focus on well-being.

'I want to stay away from film people,' he told The Hindu, criticizing colleagues for 'pulling each other down,' he said to The Hindu, aligning his statements with his December 2023 announcement about seeking a “stimulating” environment in South India.

Upcoming Projects: Footage and Dacoit

Despite leaving Bollywood, Kashyap remains active in cinema. He is promoting Footage, a Malayalam thriller he presented, starring Manju Warrier, whose Hindi version releases on March 7, 2025. Further, as an actor, he plays a cop in the bilingual film Dacoit (Hindi/Telugu), co-starring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur, which does not have a release date as of yet.