Pick any Anurag Kashyap film, and you will find at least one character that will instantly dominate your thoughts. Whether it’s through dialogue or mannerisms, Kashyap has a knack for crafting characters that leave a lasting impact.
Anurag Kashyap’s directorial debut, ‘Paanch’, was set to release in 2003 but never saw the light of day. This missing debut added a layer of intrigue and a sense of meta-humor, evidenced by the enigmatic exclusion of the word ‘Paanch’ in the lyrics ‘Ek Do Teen Chaar Che’ from ‘Dev D’. From what followed in his filmmaking career, it became clear that darkness could indeed shine bright, as Kashyap’s subsequent works got darker and more dazzling.
As the filmmaker celebrates his birthday on September 10, it is an opportune time to reflect on some of the most memorable characters brought to life by Anurag Kashyap.
When discussing the characters in Kashyap’s films, it’s hard to single out just one role that stands out in his film ‘Black Friday’. The movie, often regarded as one of the most perfect Hindi films in terms of scale and storytelling, draws you into the grim reality of Mumbai in 1993. Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastava, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pawan Malhotra, and even filmmaker Imtiaz Ali in a brief cameo, all deliver performances that leave a lasting impact. The suffocating red interrogation room and the chilling confessions from the suspects make for a gripping and visceral experience.
The visual and narrative richness continued with ‘Gulaal’, a film named after a color but resonating with vibrant performances and intense drama. Menon, once again reuniting with Kashyap, displayed magnetic charm. However, the spotlight belonged to Abhimanyu Singh’s portrayal of Rananjay Singh. From his first scene to his last, Singh’s consistent smirk encapsulated the devastating transformation of his character. In Kashyap’s universe, expletives flow like poetry, and so they do in this complex tale of campus politics and dark ambitions.
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Following in the footsteps of filmmaking legends Bimal Roy and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Kashyap offered his interpretation of tragic love in a way only he could—replete with gore, darkness, and yet a peculiar sense of delight. Abhay Deol’s heart-wrenching performance in ‘Dev D’ seamlessly blends with Kashyap’s unique vision of love and heartbreak, offering a fresh and gripping take on the timeless romance.
‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ is another testament to Kashyap’s talent for creating unforgettable characters. In this film packed with ingenious writing and extraordinary performances, it is nearly impossible to single out one character. From Manoj Bajpayee’s indomitable Sardar Khan to Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s vengeful Faizal Khan, the movie brims with characters that are etched into the annals of Indian cinema. Kashyap’s ability to weave such intricate and multi-layered characters compels one to believe, “Kabhi Kabhi Lagta Hai Kashyap Hi Bhawan Hai!” This sentiment extends to his complex and anti-heroic characters like Ganesh Gaitonde in the critically acclaimed series ‘Sacred Games’.
In 2018, Kashyap turned his attention to a modern love triangle with the film ‘Manmarziyaan’. The film centers on Taapsee Pannu’s character, a fiery and impulsive woman who struggles to navigate her emotions as she oscillates between Vicky—a non-committal love interest—and Robbie, a more stable presence who offers the peace she never realized she needed. Pannu’s portrayal of a woman torn between polarizing choices is yet another feather in Kashyap’s cap of compelling character sketches.
Thus, as Anurag Kashyap celebrates another year of his illustrious life, it becomes essential to acknowledge and appreciate the array of complex, memorable, and impactful characters he has brought to Indian cinema. From ‘Black Friday’ to ‘Manmarziyaan’, each film showcases Kashyap’s incredible talent for drawing audiences into his uniquely dark yet dazzling cinematic world. Through the medium of film, Kashyap has continually proven that one doesn’t have to stay in the light to shine. Indeed, his characters thrive in the dark and leave an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of viewers.
As the auteur moves forward in his journey, one can only anticipate the new and memorable characters that await the audience. Happy Birthday, Anurag Kashyap!
