Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has officially distanced himself from Bollywood, expressing frustration over its growing obsession with box office figures at the expense of artistic liberty. In a recent conversation with The Hindu, Kashyap shared that he no longer wishes to be associated with the industry, calling it "too toxic."

"I want to stay away from film people. The industry has become suffocating. Everyone is running after unrealistic financial milestones, aiming for the next ₹500 or ₹800 crore blockbuster. There is no creative space left," he stated.

According to The Hindu, Kashyap is likely to shift to Bengaluru and is eager to explore opportunities in South Indian cinema, where he believes artistic expression is valued more. Previously, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, he had voiced his disappointment with Bollywood, revealing that he felt "disgusted" by the commercial pressures stifling creative risks.

"I envy filmmakers in the South because they still have the freedom to experiment. Here, everything revolves around profit margins. Producers constantly ask, 'Where’s my return on investment?' even before a film is made. The passion for storytelling is lost. That’s why I’ve decided to leave. By next year, I’ll no longer be in Mumbai," he had shared.

Despite stepping away from Bollywood, Kashyap remains active in cinema. He is set to appear in Dacoit, a bilingual crime drama where he plays a police officer alongside Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur. The release date for the film is yet to be announced.

Additionally, he is currently promoting Footage, a Malayalam thriller directed by Saiju Sreedharan. Starring Manju Warrier, Vishak Nair, and Gayathri Ashok, the film was released last August. Its Hindi version is scheduled to premiere on March 7, 2025, with Kashyap serving as its presenter.