Happy Birthday Anurag Kashyap: 5 Must-Watch Movies by the Maverick Filmmaker

Anurag Kashyap is known for his dark and gritty films that often deal with social and political issues. Born on September 10, 1972, in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Kashyap has carved a niche for himself in the Hindi Cinema industry with his gritty narratives, complex characters, and unapologetic exploration of societal issues. He is one of the most critically acclaimed filmmakers, and his films have won numerous awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.

The filmmaker has acted in few movies too, and was recently seen in Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s starrer Haddi where he plays the role of Pramod Ahlawat, a ruthless, inexorable villain.

Kashyap’s cinematic journey began in the late 1990s when he wrote and directed his debut film, “Paanch,” though it faced censorship hurdles. Despite this setback, he continued to push boundaries and gained prominence with films like “Black Friday” (2004), which delved into the events surrounding the 1993 Bombay bombings.

However, it was the epic crime saga “Gangs of Wasseypur” (2012) that catapulted Kashyap to international acclaim. This two-part masterpiece showcased his storytelling prowess and ability to weave intricate narratives. He has also directed films like “Dev.D” (2009), a modern-day reinterpretation of “Devdas,” and “Ugly” (2014), a riveting psychological thriller.

Kashyap’s films often tackle themes such as crime, addiction, and the dark underbelly of Indian society. His ability to capture the raw essence of his subjects, combined with compelling character development, has earned him a dedicated following. On his 51st birthday, here’s a look at some of his best works.

Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)

This is a two-part Indian crime film written and directed by Anurag Kashyap. It is widely regarded as his magnum opus and one of the greatest Indian films of all time.

The film tells the story of a feud between two coal mafia families in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, over several decades. It is a sprawling epic that is full of violence, bloodshed, and corruption. However, it is also a complex and nuanced film that explores the social and political factors that led to the feud.

Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)

This is a psychological thriller film written and directed by Anurag Kashyap. It is based on the real-life story of Raman Raghav, a serial killer who terrorized Mumbai in the 1960s.

The film follows a cop and a serial killer as they become increasingly obsessed with each other. It is a dark and disturbing film that explores the nature of good and evil.

Manmarziyaan (2018)

A romantic comedy film written and directed by Anurag Kashyap, it stars Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, and Abhishek Bachchan.

The film tells the story of a love triangle between three young people. It is a sweet and funny film that celebrates the power of love.

Dev D (2009)

A modern-day adaptation of the classic Hindi novel Devdas. It stars Abhay Deol, Kalki Koechlin, and Mahi Gill.

The film tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a married woman. It is a tragic and beautiful film that explores the themes of love, loss, and redemption.

Black Friday (2007)

A docudrama film written and directed by Anurag Kashyap. It is based on the 1993 Bombay bombings.

The film tells the story of the investigation into the bombings and the subsequent trial of the suspects. It is a suspenseful and gripping film that sheds light on a dark chapter in Indian history.