Anurag Kashyap, whose films have frequently been showcased at the Cannes Film Festival—most recently 'Kennedy' in 2023—has returned to the prestigious event once again. However, unlike previous years, the filmmaker is not at Cannes with a movie this time. Instead, he says he is there to understand where cinema is headed amid the rapidly changing global film landscape.
Disillusionment with Filmmaking
Kashyap admitted that he currently feels disillusioned with filmmaking and is searching for clarity. 'I am here to figure out a lot of things. I am very fed up with making films. On one hand, there is AI. And with the current state of the film industry… I don’t know what is being made, or why it is being made. So I’ve come here because this isn’t a problem particular to India. Filmmakers across the world are facing it, even in Hollywood, everywhere,' he said in an interview with Sucharita Tyagi.
Observing New Voices
The filmmaker further explained that one of the biggest reasons for attending Cannes this year was to observe fresh cinematic voices and understand how younger directors are reinventing storytelling. 'There are 11 new filmmakers making their debut in competition, and that’s why I’ve come. I wanted to understand what these new filmmakers are doing. I’ve been watching a lot of their work, and it’s actually been very rewarding, the way they are breaking rules, the way they are approaching cinema,' Kashyap shared.
He also revealed that film festivals often help him regain perspective whenever he feels creatively stuck. 'I’ve come here to figure out the way forward, because whenever I feel lost, I don’t know what to do next, then I start touring the film festivals.'
Cannes Culture and Red Carpet Obsession
Speaking about Cannes culture, Kashyap expressed disappointment over how the red carpet has become the primary focus for many, overshadowing the actual celebration of cinema. 'In India, the obsession with Cannes is only about walking the red carpet. People don’t understand that there is a festival beyond it, and that its purpose extends far beyond the red carpet.' He then jokingly added about his own red carpet appearances, 'Hum log side se chale jaate hai (We just walk past it quietly).'
The filmmaker stressed that films and discussions should remain the core of the festival experience. 'That’s the least important part of Cannes. What matters more is the cinema. And I don’t even think most people come here for cinema anymore. Even many of the Indians coming for the market or the Indian Pavilion are barely watching films. Very rarely do I see someone actually attending screenings. I only saw two people watching a film.'
Upcoming Film 'Bandar'
Meanwhile, Anurag Kashyap is preparing for the release of his upcoming film 'Bandar', starring Bobby Deol. The movie had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025. Early reactions from TIFF described the film as provocative and polarising, with some critics interpreting parts of its narrative as controversial, particularly in relation to the #MeToo movement. The film also sparked debate online after several viewers labelled it 'pro-men' and questioned its messaging.
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