Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has sparked a conversation about the direction of Hindi cinema after expressing concern over the growing preference for patriotic and devotional films. According to a recent report by The Indian Express, Kashyap believes that producers are increasingly choosing these genres while films with different themes are finding it difficult to get the green light.
The filmmaker shared his views while discussing Little Thomas, an upcoming slice-of-life film that he is backing as an executive producer. His comments highlight a wider debate in Bollywood about whether commercial success is encouraging producers to follow familiar formulas instead of supporting a broader range of stories.
Kashyap described the current situation as a “tragedy”, arguing that filmmakers are facing growing uncertainty about which kinds of projects the industry is willing to finance.
Why Does Anurag Kashyap Think Other Films Are Struggling?
Kashyap explained that conversations with industry professionals have reinforced his concerns. He recalled speaking with a producer who was unsure about what kinds of films could receive approval in the current environment.
According to Kashyap, patriotic and devotional subjects appear to be receiving particular attention, while other genres face greater challenges in securing financial backing.
His criticism is not simply about the existence of patriotic or religious films. Instead, it concerns the possibility that producers may become overly dependent on genres that have recently performed well commercially.
When studios concentrate on a narrow range of subjects, filmmakers working on family dramas, independent stories, unconventional comedies and slice-of-life films may find fewer opportunities to bring their projects to audiences.
However, Kashyap’s comments reflect his assessment of the industry rather than a formal policy governing every Bollywood production. Films across different genres continue to be made, even as financing and distribution opportunities vary.
Box Office Success Has Influenced Industry Choices
The recent success of films such as Dhurandhar 2, Border 2 and Hanuman Ansh has contributed to the popularity of patriotic and devotional storytelling in 2026.
When a particular genre delivers strong box-office results, producers may become more willing to invest in similar projects. This is a familiar pattern in the film industry, where commercial performance can influence future production decisions.
For filmmakers and investors, successful films provide an indication of audience demand. Yet repeating a winning formula does not guarantee that every similar project will achieve the same results.
Kashyap’s concern is that this tendency could limit opportunities for filmmakers who want to explore less conventional subjects. A healthy film industry, in his view, needs room for different creative voices and storytelling styles rather than relying too heavily on a few commercially successful categories.
Little Thomas Offers a Different Kind of Story
Kashyap is supporting Little Thomas, an independently made film directed by Kaushal Oza. The movie stars Gulshan Devaiah and Rasika Dugal, with child actor Hridansh Parekh playing the title character.
The project represents a different direction from large-scale patriotic and devotional productions. Described as a slice-of-life film, it aims to offer audiences a more intimate story centred on everyday experiences and human relationships.
Kashyap has described his role as that of an enabler, helping filmmakers maintain confidence and complete projects that might otherwise struggle to find support.
His involvement reflects his interest in creating opportunities for distinctive films, particularly when independent productions face financial and distribution challenges.
Little Thomas is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 23, 2026. Its performance could become another talking point in discussions about the commercial space available to films outside mainstream blockbuster formulas.
Kashyap Challenges Conventional Ideas About Film Genres
The filmmaker has also questioned how audiences and the industry classify movies. He has argued that a film should not automatically be labelled a children’s movie simply because it features young characters.
Similarly, stories about growing up or coming of age can explore complex themes intended for adult audiences. Genre classification, therefore, should depend on a film’s treatment, subject and intended audience rather than one defining element.
This perspective supports Kashyap’s broader argument that cinema benefits from creative freedom. Filmmakers should be able to experiment with different narrative approaches without being restricted by assumptions about what audiences will watch.
Can Bollywood Make More Room for Diverse Cinema?
Kashyap’s remarks have renewed attention on the balance between commercial success and creative experimentation in Hindi cinema. Patriotic and devotional films clearly have an audience, but their popularity need not come at the expense of other genres.
Independent films and unconventional stories often depend on producers who are willing to take calculated risks. Supporting such projects can help the industry discover new talent, reach different audiences and avoid becoming creatively repetitive.
With Little Thomas approaching its theatrical release, Kashyap’s comments serve as a reminder that Bollywood’s future depends not only on major box-office successes but also on its willingness to embrace stories that challenge expectations.
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