Anurag Kashyap SLAMS entourage culture: “Money doesn’t go into making the film, it goes into the paraphernalia” : Bollywood News

Acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap has sparked a conversation about film budgets and the importance of prioritising filmmaking. In a recent interview with Humans of Cinema, Anurag criticised the rising costs associated with actor entourages and excessive amenities.

Anurag Kashyap SLAMS entourage culture: “Money doesn’t go into making the film, it goes into the paraphernalia”

Focus on Filmmaking, Not Frills

The filmmaker argues that a significant portion of film budgets is wasted on unnecessary luxuries, diverting resources from the core creative process. "They are not spending the money on the film," he said. "A lot of money that is spent doesn't go into making the film. It goes into the paraphernalia; it goes into the entourage."

He further added, “You're shooting in the middle of a jungle, but one car will be sent to the city three hours away specifically to get you that five-star burger you want. You don't get into the process of it.”

Independent Films Face Funding Hurdles

The 51-year-old director also lamented the lack of support for independent films with original ideas. "Independent ideas are not getting the backing," he stated. He explained, “They think that ‘the script is good but what can we do so that it earns more'. If the script is good, they must do it. Everybody starts thinking of what will happen after the film comes out. But nobody is going by instinct. We all are very caught up in this. And social media is the biggest culprit in that.”

Shifting Landscape of Filmmaking

The rise of streaming platforms (OTTs) has further complicated the film industry's financial landscape. He highlighted the initial inflation in costs with the entry of OTTs, citing a surge in vanity vans on the set of his series Sacred Games. However, he acknowledges a positive shift – fairer compensation for the technical crew who often work the longest hours on film productions.

Call for Course Correction

The Gangs of Wasseypur director believes that the industry needs a course correction. He suggests that actors re-evaluate their fees, and production companies tighten budgets to prioritise filmmaking over unnecessary luxuries. OTT platforms are also looking to reduce costs after the initial spending spree.

Also Read: Panchayat actor Pankaj Jha criticizes Anurag Kashyap for breaking promise over Gangs of Wasseypur role