More than a decade after redefining Hindi gangster cinema with Gangs of Wasseypur, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap admits the film continues to shape how audiences see him — often overshadowing everything else he has done since.

The 2012 two-part saga, featuring standout performances from Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Richa Chadha and Huma Qureshi, became a landmark in Indian cinema. Yet its success created an identity that Kashyap finds difficult to move beyond.

Despite directing 12 feature films, creating short projects, working in streaming, and reinventing himself as an actor in multiple films and a series, he says public memory still circles back to Wasseypur.

In a recent conversation, Kashyap shared that even with over 200 credits across roles, audiences often remember him either as an actor or as the director of that one defining project. The most common question he continues to hear is about a potential third installment.

However, the filmmaker has no intention of revisiting the franchise.

For Kashyap, cinema has never been about competing in a marketplace driven by commercial success. Returning to Wasseypur simply to meet expectations would contradict the very spirit in which he began making films.

He believes the shadow of Wasseypur has also influenced how audiences received his recent crime comedy Nishaanchi.

Originally designed as a streaming release for Prime Video India, the film was eventually split into two parts, with the first installment released theatrically. According to Kashyap, lingering fascination with Wasseypur played a role in that decision.

The experiment, however, did not resonate as expected. Viewers were unsettled by the abrupt ending of the first part, and the film struggled at the domestic box office.

Kashyap later ensured that both parts were released together on streaming, where audiences responded more positively when able to watch the story in one go.

He also acknowledged that he could have simplified the narrative — perhaps using a voiceover similar to Wasseypur — but deliberately chose not to repeat his earlier methods.

Reflecting on his journey, Kashyap admitted that constant comparisons to Wasseypur have sparked moments of self-doubt, leading him to question whether his creative voice still connects as strongly as before.

In many ways, he says, the film cemented his legacy — but also became the benchmark against which all his work is measured.

One of the most eagerly awaited sports dramas in Indian cinema is all set to roll soon, as filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane joins forces with producer Luv Ranjan and producer Ankur Garg to bring the life of cricketing legend Sourav Ganguly to the big screen. The much-talked-about biopic, starring Rajkummar Rao in the lead role, is scheduled to go on floors this March and promises to be mounted on a grand scale.

According to sources close to the development, the makers have locked two of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the world as primary filming locations — Lord’s Cricket Ground and Eden Gardens. Both venues hold immense historical and emotional significance in Ganguly’s illustrious career, and the team is determined to capture the authenticity of those defining moments by shooting at the actual locations.

Often referred to as the “Mecca of Cricket,” Lord’s Cricket Ground in London played a pivotal role in shaping Ganguly’s legacy on the international stage. From his iconic debut century in 1996 to the unforgettable NatWest Trophy celebration in 2002, the venue remains deeply intertwined with his cricketing journey. Recognizing this importance, the filmmakers have decided against recreating the stadium on a set, instead opting to film at the real ground to preserve realism and scale.

Similarly, Eden Gardens in Kolkata carries a special emotional connection, not only as one of the most historic cricket stadiums in the world but also as Ganguly’s home ground. The roaring crowds, the charged atmosphere, and the unforgettable matches played there form a crucial part of his story. By filming at Eden Gardens, the team aims to authentically recreate the intensity and passion associated with Ganguly’s leadership era.

Sources reveal that mounting the biopic on a grand canvas has always been the vision of Motwane and the team at Luv Films. Shooting at real locations was part of the plan from the outset, even though securing permissions at such globally renowned venues can be a complex process. Discussions and clearances are currently underway, and the production team is optimistic about beginning the first schedule in March.

Apart from Kolkata and London, the film will also be shot in Mumbai, covering various phases of Ganguly’s life — from his early cricketing days to his rise as one of India’s most influential captains. The narrative is expected to delve into his on-field heroics, leadership transformation, challenges, controversies, and his lasting impact on Indian cricket.

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Rajkummar Rao, known for his immersive and transformative performances, has already begun preparations for the demanding role. The actor is reportedly undergoing intensive cricket training to convincingly portray the stylish left-handed batsman and former Indian skipper. From mastering Ganguly’s batting stance and signature cover drives to understanding his body language and captaincy persona, Rao is leaving no stone unturned in embodying the cricket icon.

The collaboration between Vikramaditya Motwane — celebrated for his nuanced storytelling — and Luv Ranjan’s production banner adds further weight to the project. With a strong creative team backing the film and real-life cricketing landmarks serving as its backdrop, the Sourav Ganguly biopic is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious sports dramas in recent times.

As anticipation builds, audiences can expect a cinematic tribute that not only highlights Ganguly’s cricketing milestones but also explores the man behind the legend. Further casting announcements and additional details about the film are expected in the coming weeks.

Actor Sidharth Malhotra is mourning the loss of his father, Sunil Malhotra, who reportedly passed away on February 14, 2026. A former Merchant Navy captain, Sunil Malhotra breathed his last peacefully in his sleep after battling a prolonged illness.

According to reports, Sidharth and his wife, Kiara Advani, immediately rushed to Delhi upon receiving the heartbreaking news to be with their family during this difficult time. The last rites were conducted in an intimate ceremony attended by close relatives and loved ones.

A Heartfelt Tribute

Soon after, Sidharth took to social media to share a deeply emotional tribute along with a series of rare photographs of his father.

In his moving note, he described Sunil Malhotra as a man defined by honesty, integrity, and unwavering values. He reflected on his father’s life as one guided by discipline without harshness and strength without ego — qualities that left a lasting impression on him.

Sidharth revealed that even after suffering a stroke that confined him to a wheelchair, his father’s spirit never wavered. He continued to face life’s challenges with remarkable courage and grace.

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The actor also wrote that his father’s integrity remains his greatest inheritance and his strength continues to guide him every day.

In a touching closing line, he expressed how deeply his father shaped his identity, vowing to carry forward his values and legacy.

A Bond Beyond Words

Over the years, Sidharth had often spoken about the close bond he shared with his father. In earlier interviews, he had opened up about his father’s prolonged health struggles and how the family remained strong through the journey.

Sources close to the family have requested privacy as they cope with the loss.

On The Work Front

Sidharth was last seen in Param Sundari, co-starring Janhvi Kapoor, directed by Tushar Jalota.

Up next, the actor will be seen in Vvan – Force of the Forest, where he takes on a powerful lead role.