‘Toxic’ Brahmin controversy for criticizing Bollywood: When Anurag Kashyap’s bold statements brought him into dispute.

Some filmmakers in India have worn comfortable controversy as Anurag Kashyap. The director, who hit Black Friday, Gangs of Wasipur, and Dev D, has often found himself in the eyes of political, social and ideological storms. Whether you agree with him or not, there is no denying that he is unfiltered, fearless and committed to the type of cinema that pushes the boundaries. However, it is often their outspoken nature and unfiltated honesty that triggers backlash from many quarters.
From the fight with social media spats and FIRs and censorship, there is a look at the time when Kashyap’s bold statements shook the controversy.
Brahmin commentary dispute
Anurag Kashyap slapped himself with a cedar after a provocative comment on Instagram, in the heat of a caste-based debate around his upcoming biopic Phule, triggering a large-scale backlash.
In the post, the director allegedly wrote, “Brahmin Pe Mutunga. Any decoction?” (I will urinate on Brahmins. Any problem?).

According to reports, shortly thereafter, a complaint was filed by Ujjwal Gaur at Tilak Marg Police Station in New Delhi, which called the comment “rude, inflammatory and replicated”. Critics claimed that the director’s statement could instigate communal tension.
Kashyap soon released a public apology, stating, “This is my apology, not for my post, but for that one line, taken out of reference and is a piece hatred.” He also revealed that he and his family were threatened with rape and death on comments.
“Bollywood is very toxic now”
Last week, Kashyap was in the news when he revealed that he had left Mumbai, cited the ‘poisoning’ of the film industry. He said, “Everyone is chasing a film worth Rs 500 or Rs 800 crore. The creative atmosphere has gone,” he said and described Mumbai as a city, where “people pull you down.”

Later, he clarified that in contrast to the discussion that he was leaving the film industry, Kashyap tweeted Chikali, “I am busy compared to Shahrukh Khan … I don’t have dates up to 2028.” He confirmed that he had five directors for release next year.
‘Foundation’ result
Last year, Anurag Kashyap’s maximum city was sheltered after the ambitious adaptation of the city. Foundation disputeThe series led by Saif Ali Khan was accused of hurting religious sentiments and insulting Hindu deities, which led to FIR, protest and political pressure.
Although Kashyap was not directly involved in the highlight, communal sensitivity triggers it, which indirectly affects his project. The cancellation was deeply individual for Kashyap, claiming that it contributed to a match of two heart attacks and depression. “It took a toll on my health,” he confessed.
‘Animal’ defense
In front of widespread criticism on the film animal – a portrayal of especially toxic masculinity – Kashyap stood by director Sandeep Reddy Wanga. He said in an interview, “No one has the right to tell anyone that the filmmaker does not have the right to tell what kind of films he should do or not.”
Kashyap boldly claimed that 80% of Indian men were “like Kabir Singh,” and said, “Ethics is subjective. Let’s represent filmmakers what they want. We may disagree – this is democracy.”
Opposes the ban Story of Kerala
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap called Kerala’s story “promotional film”, but expressed strong opposition to restrictions on the film. “When I do not support the ban on any film, the story of Kerala clearly comes under publicity,” he told Hindustan Times. He said that his aim is to actually prepare films, not per-pupaganda or activeness. Adah Sharma-Starr criticized for depicting Indian women, which were involved in conversion and kidnapping by extremists.
Income tax raid
In 2021, the Income Tax officials raided the homes and offices of the government’s vocal critics, Kashyap and actor Topasi Pannu. The raids were extended to 30 places, including Phantom films and talent management agencies such as Kawan.
Many people saw the move as a response to their political vigor. Kashyap later commented, “If a joke provokes your faith, you probably need to work on strengthening your price system.”
Criticism of ban on Pakistani artists
After criticizing the 2016 ban on Pakistani actors in Bollywood, Kashyap received alleged threats and disturbing messages. Publicly about the dangers, he admitted that fear for the safety of his family to withdraw him from online engagement. “Now that I tweeted a tweet, I don’t read the reactions,” he revealed and said “people need to be taken out.”