A man who has constantly seen failures but not given up on passion often rises to become a legend, they say. This rings true for many legendary actors, and filmmakers who have gone through hell and back, but have achieved immense success and stardom. One such filmmaker who has been drawing attention for his surrealistic storytelling skills is Anurag Kashyap.
Anurag has gathered accolades for his films across the Globe. Be it Black Friday, Dev D or Gulaal, his nuances might have shifted with each film but his theme and subject treatment has been thoroughly mesmerizing. The man reveres cinema and this comes straight from the horse’s mouth, “I am an atheist. Cinema is the only religion I believe in,” he says. True that ‘coz it reflects in his work. But every stroke doesn’t instantly become a master stroke. One needs to ape the masters and learn from them. There are a few hits and misses everyone comes across and most of the time it becomes our only tragedy. Anurag’s career too boasts of such hits and misses many of which may have slipped from our viewing but are deemed to be must watch.
Water
The film which introspects dark tunnels of rural India and the condition of Indian widows during the colonial period happens to be the theme of the film. The film ran into controversies and the director of film was asked to leave India. Despite this, the film not only completed its shoot in Sri Lanka but became a massive hit amongst the world cinema lovers. Written and translated by Anurag Kashyap, this one by Deepa Mehta has often been neglected by the movie lovers, especially, in India. A resonant tale that showcases gender inequality and the fight of three dashing women in midst of an audience which is primal in its views, should not be missed.
That Day After Everyday
This short film became a social media scoop immediately after its release. The film catered to the sensitive issue of eve teasing and how three helpless women retaliate to it. The film boasted of starcast like Radhika Apte and Sandhya Mridul and was directed by Anurag Kashyap. This directorial venture of Kashyap is likely to give you goose flesh.
That Girl In Yellow Boots
The film starring Kalki Koechlin is yet another tale from Anurag Kashyap which is likely to leave us in state of shock and terror. The film that revolves around the theme of incest speaks the tale of a young girl who comes to the city of dreams to find her father. The poor girl gets stuck in the convulted lifestyle of the city which starts taking its toll on her. She is forced to work in a massage parlour and also starts dating a drug addict. Her life turns out to be a Pandora’s box churning out unforeseen troubles. And when the life gives her a last shock, the girl is left broken.
Paanch
Who would have thought students of commercial arts from a reputed college will turn into serial killers? Well, reality is often spine chilling. And loosely based on this tale is the film Paanch. Although this film hasn’t released till date, it happens to be Anurag Kashyap’s debut film starring Kay Kay Menon. If you happen to get a chance to watch this film, do not miss!
No Smoking
The film garnered humungous positive response from the audience abroad but it received a lukewarm treatment from its Indian counterpart. The film was India’s first ever to be adapted from Stephen King short story. However, as the director- writer of the film Anurag Kashyap puts it, it was way ahead of its time. Indeed, that was the case but the film handled the issue of superstition and alcohol addiction ingeniously because of its unique storyline. The film is galore with the elements of fantasy, dark humour, horror, surrealism and is much too unconventional.
While the story teller weaves more neo-noir-esque tales, we wish him a very happy birthday and a long, prosperous life ahead!
P.S: If you haven’t yet watched Black Friday, Dev D, Udaan and Gulaal please buy a DVD for your perusal ‘coz piracy is illegal.
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