Anurag Kashyap: Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, known for his bold storytelling and unconventional cinema, recently opened up about his “worst experience” while making Bombay Velvet. The movie, which starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Karan Johar, was meant to be a glamorous ode to 1960s Bombay—inspired by Gyan Prakash’s book Mumbai Fables. However, the ambitious project turned into one of the biggest failures of Kashyap’s career, both critically and commercially. Despite its grandeur and a cast of A-list stars, Bombay Velvet failed to connect with audiences, leaving behind emotional and professional scars for its director.

The Emotional Toll and Post-Production Struggles
During a candid conversation with film critic Komal Nahta, Kashyap shared how the post-production phase of Bombay Velvet turned into a nightmare for him. He described it as “the lowest point” of his career. According to him, the trauma didn’t stem from the film’s shooting but from the overwhelming negativity that followed its completion and release. “If I could have owned this failure, it wouldn’t have been a trauma for me,” Kashyap admitted. “It became traumatic because I went on the back foot. This was the first time I saw so much negativity in my life.”

The filmmaker revealed that after the film’s release, he faced immense pressure, criticism, and self-doubt. The negative reactions from both critics and audiences took a toll on his mental well-being, making him rethink his entire creative process.

Reevaluating His Approach to Filmmaking
After Bombay Velvet’s massive box office debacle—made on a budget of Rs 90 crore and earning only Rs 43.20 crore worldwide—Kashyap decided to completely change his filmmaking strategy. He realized the importance of working within smaller budgets and maintaining creative control. “I understood my audience,” he said. “Then I started working backwards. I asked the production house, ‘How much will you give me if I don’t tell you the script or the cast, but you trust I’ll recover the money?’ They gave me Rs 3.5 crore. After Rs 90 crore, I went straight to Rs 3.5 crore because I didn’t want to get trapped again.”

This drastic shift marked a turning point in his career. Kashyap focused on independent cinema, creating stories that resonated with niche audiences while keeping financial risks minimal. The experience taught him the importance of creative freedom over commercial ambition—a lesson that continues to define his filmmaking style today.

About Bombay Velvet
Released on May 15, 2015, Bombay Velvet was envisioned as a neo-noir period crime drama that blended glamour, music, and the rise of Bombay’s underworld. Despite the scale of its production—costing nearly Rs 120 crore—it managed to earn only about Rs 23 crore in its first week. The film starred Karan Johar in a rare acting role, alongside Siddhartha Basu, Vivaan Shah, Manish Choudhary, and Kay Kay Menon. Though it failed commercially, many later acknowledged its artistic ambition and visual brilliance.

Kashyap’s Takeaway from Failure
Instead of letting the film’s failure define him, Kashyap used the experience to grow as an artist. He accepted that Bombay Velvet taught him humility, patience, and the value of understanding his audience. Today, he continues to create bold, raw, and experimental cinema that reflects his authentic voice. His journey from Bombay Velvet’s trauma to renewed creative freedom stands as a powerful reminder that even the most talented filmmakers must face failure to rediscover themselves.