In a recent interview while promoting his latest film Nishaanchi, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap revealed how moving to Bengaluru has given him a fresh sense of freedom and creativity. He said leaving behind the fast-paced environment of Mumbai’s film industry was a much-needed change.
Anurag explained that without endless meetings and constant demands, he has more time to write, reflect, and engage with Bengaluru’s thriving community of writers and artists. He praised the city’s open roads, calmer lifestyle, and creative culture for inspiring his work.
Nishaanchi is being seen as the product of this new energy. Anurag shared that the film was made after a difficult phase in his life and pays tribute to Hindi cinema classics like Deewaar, Ganga Jamuna, and Mother India, which shaped his love for films.
He revealed that the idea for Nishaanchi first came to him in 2016 while working on Mukkabazz, but production began much later. He wanted to ensure he had the right cast and the right mindset after completing his 2023 film Kennedy.
Casting Nishaanchi proved to be a journey of its own. Anurag initially wanted Sushant Singh Rajput in the lead, but the actor chose to do Drive and Dil Bechara with Dharma Productions. This made Anurag put the project on hold.
Eventually, he cast Aaishvary Thackeray after being impressed by a showreel where Aaishvary delivered a Bihari dialect monologue. Anurag said the decision was purely based on talent, even though speculation arose due to Aaishvary being Bala Saheb Thackeray’s grandson.
Anurag clarified that no pressure was applied from the Thackeray family regarding casting. He admitted they had first considered using a different name for Aaishvary, but once news leaked, they decided to retain his surname for the film.
The director also mentioned that he is currently exploring opportunities both in Bollywood and the South film industry, returning to his struggler days with renewed energy. With Nishaanchi being called a return to his Gangs of Wasseypur roots, Anurag Kashyap seems set for a bold new phase in his career.
