Back in 2011, when Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Vikas Bahl and Madhu Mantena formed Phantom Films, they brought in a new wave of cinema, delivering films that were a breath of fresh air. From Lootera to NH 10 Hasee Toh Phasee and Udta Punjab, the production house gave the audience an unconventional cinematic experience and new filmmakers an opportunity to tell stories that mattered. However, the production house had to shut down amid sexual harassment allegations against one of its co-founders, Vikas, amid India’s MeToo movement. Ego tussle and differences between the founders ultimately led to the dissolution of Phantom Films in 2017. “Dil toot jata hai (My heart breaks),” said Anurag during a recent interview with Zoom, while recalling the difficult phase.
Opening up about the dissolution of his production house, Anurag spoke about how success and money can alter people’s intentions. Reflecting on his experiences, he said, “I did my best. ” He continued, “I would just say that I wasn’t lucky in finding a great partner for my production house concerning the vision and finance. People came and left and everybody… when it comes to money, everybody changes. Success is the biggest corruptor and everybody just wanted things for their personal benefit rather than building something together.”
Discussing his challenges with managing finances, the Gangs of Wasseypur director, admitted, “I’m not good with finances, it’s tiresome.” This difficulty, coupled with the complications that arose within his production ventures, led him to a significant decision of not producing films. “So a samajh mein aagaya tha I am not good with finances. It is not that I don’t understand it but it is very tiresome and my creativity goes for a toss. So I decided that I won’t produce anymore. That was one of the learnings from the episode,” he stated, signalling a shift in his focus away from production.
The Black Friday director has recently been presenting a lot of small films to extend his support to independent cinema and new filmmakers and artistes. He asserted that he is over the phase where people used him for their advantage, stating he is not going to give that “access” to anyone now.
“I have people I trust and will work with. If there’s something they need help with, if they need my help, I will enable that. I am presenting a lot of films like Pokhar Ke Dunu Paar, Jaggi, Little Thomas, Gold Fish, Dug Dug etc. Those responsibilities are not mine. I come in only when I am needed and I do exactly what is needed of me. I keep financial transactions out of it because these are independent films and I know that I am doing it for that love of it (filmmaking). I am not going to take on any responsibility where someone becomes ambitious and fires a gun from my shoulder and uses me to build themselves up,” he rued.
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Despite the professional upheavals, Anurag highlighted a positive aspect of his journey — his enduring friendship with filmmaker Vikramaditya which managed to withstand the test of time. “Vikram and I have been the same for years. Our friendship has only become stronger and he is the only person I talk to among three other people,” he shared, emphasising the strength and resilience of their relationship amidst the industry’s pressures.
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