Why Anurag Kashyap Opted Out: The Untold Story Behind His Rejection of Virat Kohli's Biopic

Bollywood's celebrated auteur, Anurag Kashyap, renowned for his gritty and often dark narratives, has revealed his surprising decision to turn down the opportunity to direct a biopic on cricketing legend Virat Kohli. The news has stirred considerable discussion, as many would have anticipated Kashyap's unique vision bringing a fresh perspective to a sports icon's journey.

However, Kashyap’s reasons, as always, are rooted in his deeply personal and uncompromising approach to storytelling.

Kashyap candidly shared his reservations, stating, "I don’t know if I would want to do it. The problem with me is that unless I know everything about a person, I would not do a biopic.

And I don’t know Virat Kohli." This statement highlights his meticulous preparation and the intense research he dedicates to his projects. For Kashyap, a biopic isn't merely a chronological recounting of events but a profound exploration of the subject's psyche, their triumphs, and crucially, their vulnerabilities and struggles that often remain hidden from the public eye.

He further elaborated on his filmmaking philosophy, explaining, "Biopics are about finding the dark side of a person.

And I don’t see a dark side to Virat Kohli. I need to delve into the shadows, the complexities that make a person truly human. From what I perceive publicly, Virat’s journey seems incredibly clean, a story of pure achievement and unwavering focus. That’s commendable, but it doesn't offer the kind of narrative depth I typically seek in a biopic." Kashyap's preference for raw, unvarnished narratives means he often gravitates towards characters with palpable internal conflicts and unconventional journeys.

The director, known for films like 'Gangs of Wasseypur' and 'Black Friday', explained his belief that Kohli's public image, while inspiring, might not align with his directorial style.

"I need to find a space that is beyond the obvious, beyond the headlines. With someone like Virat, who is such a celebrated figure, everything seems to be out in the open, and his story is largely a success story. My challenge would be to find that one thing that isn't known to the public, and I'm not sure I could do that with Kohli."

Kashyap's decision is a testament to his artistic integrity.

He refuses to create a hagiographic portrayal and instead seeks narratives that allow for critical examination and a multi-dimensional understanding of his subjects. While acknowledging Kohli's immense talent and impact, Kashyap believes that another filmmaker, perhaps one with a different lens, would be better suited to capture the essence of the cricketing icon's life on screen.

His stance underscores the idea that not every compelling life story fits every director's unique vision, emphasizing the importance of creative alignment in cinematic endeavors.