Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has addressed Anurag Kashyap’s recent social media remark calling him a “jhoota aadmi” (liar), offering a mix of praise and pointed criticism. In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Vivek acknowledged Anurag’s impact on Indian cinema but stood firm on earlier statements about the director’s drinking habits.
“Usko chhodo. Woh raat mein kya bolta hai, subah kya bolta hai, dono mein farak hai. Jiske andar 2-3 aadmi rehte hain, uski baat ko main kya kahun?” said Vivek, adding, “Yes, I had talked about his drinking habits, and that’s the truth. But I never said Anurag is a bad guy, he is a wonderful guy. His contribution to Indian cinema is unprecedented. There can be only one Anurag Kashyap.”
The exchange reignites a long-standing tension between the two filmmakers, dating back to their work on Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal. Vivek claims the project suffered due to Anurag’s alcoholism at the time, stating, “I used to drink a lot during a time period in my life, and suffered at work because of it. It happens. I stand by my point that he gave his work to Vikramaditya Motwane. You can ask the company that hired them.”
Vivek Agnihotri is currently gearing up for The Bengal Files, a politically charged drama following the success of The Kashmir Files, featuring Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, and Darshan Kumar. Meanwhile, Anurag Kashyap is busy with Nishaanchi, an action drama marking the acting debut of Aaishvary Thackeray, grandson of the late Balasaheb Thackeray. The film’s teaser was unveiled on Friday.