Booze, depression and heart attacks: A look at Anurag Kashyap's life after OTT platform ditches 'Maximum City'

New Delhi: Renowned Bollywood director Anurag Kashyap recently bared his soul in an interview, shedding light on a dark period in his life triggered by the shelving of his ambitious project, 'Maximum City.' The revelation includes heavy drinking, depression, and not one but two heart attacks. Here are the details of Kashyap's candid disclosure.

'Maximum City' shelved

In an exclusive interview with The Washington Post, Anurag Kashyap opened up about the emotional turmoil he faced when his much-anticipated project, a series adaptation of Suketu Mehta's acclaimed novel 'Maximum City,' was abruptly shelved. The director expressed his deep connection to the project, labeling it as his "best work" and emphasizing its significant importance.

Impact on Kashyap's health: Depression, heart attacks

The setback took a severe toll on Anurag Kashyap's mental and physical well-being. In the aftermath of 'Maximum City's' cancellation by Netflix, Kashyap plunged into a state of depression, coping with the heartbreak by turning to heavy drinking. Shockingly, the acclaimed director revealed that he suffered not one but two heart attacks during this tumultuous period. "Maximum City was where all my energy went. I was heartbroken. I totally lost it," Kashyap candidly admitted.

Reasons remain veiled

While the exact reason for the project's shelving remains unspecified, Kashyap suspects the sensitive content of 'Maximum City' might have played a role. Criticizing the streaming landscape, he expressed disappointment in the unfulfilled potential of the streaming revolution. According to Kashyap, the streaming space, much like social media, fell short of empowering individuals and instead became a mere tool.

Anurag Kashyap's next: 'Kennedy'

Amidst the candid revelations, Anurag Kashyap shared insights into his upcoming directorial venture titled 'Kennedy.' A crime thriller featuring Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhat, the film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and received a standing ovation at the Mumbai Film Festival 2023. Kashyap credited Sudhir Mishra for the film's inception, highlighting the character Uday Shetty, which has lingered in his mind for nearly two decades.

Anurag Kashyap's revelation about the challenging aftermath of 'Maximum City's' shelving provides a rare glimpse into the personal struggles of a celebrated director. As he navigates the complex world of Bollywood and streaming platforms, Kashyap's resilience and commitment to storytelling shine through, making 'Kennedy' a highly anticipated chapter in his filmmaking journey.