Anurag Kashyap to present Assamese film
He has often spoken out about the power of regional cinema content in pushing Bollywood out of its slumber. And now, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has taken it to the next level by deciding to present the Assamese film Aamis.
He says he supports a film only for two reasons: “First, I love it. And second, I see that the filmmaker is fearless and is telling a story that is unique.”
Kashyap saw the Bhaskar Hazarika directorial at the Tribeca Film Festival, and was hooked to the story, which revolves around a lonely, married woman who bonds with a younger man over their shared love of unusual meats. But their relationship turns dark as their adventures increase.
His own filmography, which features titles such as Dev.D (2009) and Ugly (2013), is telling of his attraction towards dark themes.
With changing times and increased exposure to world cinema courtesy OTT platforms, is there a larger acceptance to such movies? Kashyap doesn’t really think so. “I have been consuming world cinema since I was 19. Perhaps that is the reason why I have that world view, and I think all sorts of influences are good on consumers and filmmakers both,” he says.
He is also happy that a lot of actors and producers from the Hindi film industry are backing regional content. “It is good, and I hope it happens more often,” comments the filmmaker.
As far as any plans to direct a regional film himself someday are concerned, he says, “I need to know and understand the language I am making a film in.”