Anurag Kashyap has long been a visionary filmmaker, known for pushing the boundaries of conventional cinema. However, it was with Gangs of Wasseypur, released in 2012, that Kashyap truly redefined Indian filmmaking, and set a new standard for gritty, raw storytelling. This two-part epic, centered on the decades-long bloody conflict in Dhanbad’s coal mafia, not only showed the violent and dark side of Indian society, but also brought with it a wave of change in the way films were made and consumed in the country.

For many, Gangs of Wasseypur was a breath of fresh air, a brutal and unflinching portrayal of the dark side of Indian life. It was unlike anything ever seen before in mainstream Bollywood. Indian cinema, which has traditionally been dominated by glossy, escapist narratives, was suddenly shocked by Kashyap’s uncompromising approach to storytelling.

Today, on September 10, Anurag Kashyap’s birthday, let’s analyse this masterpiece, which was also a movement in itself, that encouraged filmmakers to break free from formulaic structures and tell stories in their rawest form.

Powerful storytelling: Kashyap’s specialty

Anurag Kashyap’s storytelling style has always been gritty and realistic, but Gangs of Wasseypur took it to another level. The film was a sprawling tale of revenge, politics and survival, set against the backdrop of the coal mafia in Wasseypur, Jharkhand. It was a world of violence, betrayal and moral ambiguity – which Kashyap depicted with relentless authenticity. His characters were complex, flawed and extremely human, each driven to survive in a harsh environment.

What made Gangs of Wasseypur so influential was that it deeply reflected the mindset of its characters and the socio-political landscape of the time. The film showed the brutality of power struggles, the generational cycle of violence and the harsh realities of life on the margins of society. Unlike typical Bollywood films, Kashyap did not romanticise anything. The violence was raw, the dialogues were vulgar and the relationships were full of tension and betrayal.

This approach was a revelation for Indian audiences, many of whom had never seen such brutal honesty on screen. Kashyap did not shy away from showing the dark side of human nature. His story depicts the world as it is, not as we wish it to be. It was a bold departure from the escapism that Bollywood had long offered. With Gangs of Wasseypur, Kashyap proved that there is an audience for raw, serious films that explore complex emotions and moral dilemmas.

Encouraging filmmakers to follow their vision

The success of Gangs of Wasseypur also marked a turning point in Indian cinema, where young filmmakers began to understand that they didn’t have to follow conventional rules to succeed. Kashyap was already making waves in the indie circuit, but this film brought him into the mainstream while still maintaining his independent spirit.

The biggest example of this is Vicky Kaushal. The Sam Bahadur actor started his Bollywood career as an assistant director (AD) on the sets of Gangs of Wasseypur. Vicky had previously revealed during an interview how Anurag went from being his mentor to his friend. During the same conversation, he said, “My experience of working with him as an assistant director on Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) helped me learn a lot about cinema.”

For Kashyap, the film wasn’t just about telling an entertaining story; it was about pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema. He encouraged a generation of filmmakers to take risks, pursue their creative visions without compromise, and tell stories that really mattered to them. His work, especially with Gangs of Wasseypur, became a lighthouse for those who wanted to break free from the confines of commercial cinema and explore the darker, more complex sides of storytelling.

Kashyap’s influence on Indian cinema is not limited to the subject matter of his films, but also the way he makes films. He often works with limited budgets and gives actors the freedom to improvise and bring their own experiences to characters. This approach fostered a sense of realism and authenticity that was rare in Indian films. He also brought in lesser-known actors and gave them a platform to shine, which further added to the raw, unrefined feel of his films.

Cult classic status and its legacy

Gangs of Wasseypur has since achieved cult status not only in India but also internationally. It paved the way for other filmmakers to explore unconventional genres and themes without fear of commercial failure. Its success was proof that an audience for such content exists and that Indian cinema is ready for change. The film’s powerful story and unforgettable characters left an indelible mark, making it one of the most iconic Indian films of the last decade.

Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur not only changed the face of Indian cinema – it challenged the very concept of Indian films. By exposing hardship, dirt and raw human emotions, Kashyap opened the doors for a new wave of filmmakers to tell their stories without compromise.

In doing so, Anurag Kashyap not only redefined Indian filmmaking but also inspired a generation of artists to follow their creative instincts, no matter how unconventional.