Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has recently addressed the issue of backlash faced by film critics from fan clubs on social media, particularly in relation to negative reviews. He characterized these attacks as a “social media construct” and labeled them as coordinated efforts rather than organic reactions from audiences.
During a discussion with film critic Sucharita Tyagi on her YouTube channel, Kashyap noted that the controversy surrounding critics often stems from fan-generated pressure, evidenced by the response to Aditya Dhar’s film Dhurandhar. He emphasized that while he appreciated aspects of the film, he felt compelled to voice his criticisms, stating, “What is wrong is wrong.” He called attention to the orchestrated nature of these attacks, arguing that they undermine genuine discourse about films.
Dhurandhar, which garnered a mix of reviews, saw critics both praise and condemn it, with some referring to it as agenda-driven. The criticism led to an outpouring of negative responses from social media users targeting those who were less favorable. In light of this, the Film Critics Guild of India issued a statement defending critics and denouncing the online harassment.
Kashyap further elaborated on the dynamics of social media negativity, explaining that many of these coordinated efforts lack authenticity. He revealed that some individuals are even compensated for generating such responses, hinting at a troubling trend where criticism is met with organized hostility.
The film Dhurandhar, featuring notable actors such as Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt, has been a significant commercial success, grossing over ₹1300 crore worldwide. A sequel titled Dhurandhar: The Revenge is set to release next month, continuing the story that has generated both praise and criticism.
In addition to his commentary on fan backlash, Kashyap is also preparing for the release of his new film Kennedy in India. Starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, Kennedy is scheduled to premiere on Zee5 on February 20. This release marks another chapter in Kashyap’s prolific career as he navigates the complex relationship between filmmakers, critics, and audiences in the ever-evolving film industry landscape.