Anurag Kashyap on why Bollywood bends easily to power: ‘Once you say yes, you can’t shut it’

Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has consistently been an outspoken critic of the establishment, often highlighting the need for the industry to confront certain issues. However, Kashyap feels that this same conviction is not always present within the industry itself and that it sometimes appears to have aligned with the powerful establishment, including some of its biggest names.

In an interview with Janice Sequeira, Kashyap discussed the reasons behind the industry's tendency to bend easily to power, saying, "I don’t think anybody’s doing it willingly. Once you say yes, you can’t shut it." He explained that once a filmmaker accepts a project or a condition, they can never go back on it because that initial agreement opens the door to further compromises, which often come with significant benefits.

Kashyap also pointed out that the southern film industries have managed to maintain a stronger sense of political awareness compared to others, as they do not depend on the Hindi audience and are more regionally strong. He further emphasized that those within the industry are aware of the compromises they make, but they are also embarrassed and ashamed, yet they have no alternative but to comply when asked.

Recently, Kashyap supported the CJP protests demanding education reforms, criticizing the police for their actions, and questioning the morality of police personnel who follow such orders.