Creative Burnout in Filmmaking
“I am moving out of Mumbai,” Kashyap declared, emphasizing that his discontent arises from the rising costs of filmmaking and the industry’s growing emphasis on profitability over creativity. He lamented, “Now it is difficult for me to go out and experiment as it comes at a cost, which makes my producers think about profit and margins.” He highlighted how the focus shifts to selling the film even before production begins, ultimately draining the joy from the filmmaking process. Kashyap expressed his intention to relocate to the South, where he feels there is greater creative stimulation. “I want to go where there is stimulation. Otherwise, I will die as an old man. I am so disappointed and disgusted by my own industry,” he shared.
Criticism of Talent Management Agencies
Kashyap didn’t hold back in his criticism of talent management agencies, accusing them of exploiting young actors for profit while prioritizing stardom over genuine talent development. “Nobody wants to act—they all want to be stars.” He explained that agencies focus on making money from stars rather than nurturing new talent. He recounted an incident where an actor, advised by their agency, distanced themselves only to return seeking guidance after being abandoned. “This is what the agency does—they just make money off you. They aren’t invested in building new careers,” he remarked.
Ghosted by Friends and Industry Peers
The filmmaker also expressed disappointment with actors he once considered friends, noting, “My actors, whom I thought of as friends, ghost you because they want to be a certain way.” He indicated that such behavior is prevalent in the Hindi film industry but not in Malayalam cinema, where he recently made his acting debut in the film Rifle Club. Kashyap’s disillusionment paints a stark contrast to his experiences in other regional film industries, highlighting his growing frustration with the current state of Bollywood.