The Daredevil Directorial Debut: Immersed in the Heart of Lawlessness
Vicky Kaushal, the charismatic Bollywood luminary currently riding high on the success of his recent release “Bad Newz,” shared a hair-raising account of his early days in the film industry. Before his ascent to stardom, Kaushal cut his teeth as an assistant director under the visionary filmmaker Anurag Kashyap on the iconic crime saga “Gangs of Wasseypur.”
In a candid conversation with comedian Tanmay Bhat, Kaushal revealed the heart-stopping moment he nearly faced a brutal encounter with the sand mafia while capturing footage for the film. “The coal smuggling depicted in the film was real,” Kaushal disclosed. “We were shooting illicit sand mining operations, and the sheer scale of it was astounding. It wasn’t just a few trucks; it was a sprawling operation with hundreds of vehicles.”
500 Against 2: A Narrow Escape from the Sand Mafia’s Wrath
Caught in the crosshairs of the sand mafia, Kaushal and his camera operator found themselves surrounded by a menacing mob of 500 individuals. “They slapped the cameraman, seized our equipment, and threatened to destroy it,” Kaushal recalled, his voice still tinged with adrenaline. “We were on the verge of a severe beating, but somehow, we managed to slip away unscathed.” This brush with danger underscores the lengths to which the film crew went to capture the gritty authenticity of “Gangs of Wasseypur.”
Anurag Kashyap’s Guerrilla Filmmaking: A Calculated Risk
Anurag Kashyap, known for his audacious approach to filmmaking, often shot “Gangs of Wasseypur” in real-life locations with hidden cameras. This clandestine technique, while yielding unparalleled realism, often placed the crew in perilous situations. Kaushal recounted another close call while filming at the Banaras railway station. “We were using a hidden camera mounted in a van to capture a scene with Nawazuddin Siddiqui,” he explained. “Suddenly, we noticed two police constables eyeing the camera suspiciously. I immediately instructed the driver to flee the scene, narrowly escaping arrest.”
A Cinematic Triumph: Gangs of Wasseypur’s Enduring Legacy
Despite the inherent dangers and challenges, Kashyap’s unorthodox methods paid off. The two-part epic black comedy crime film garnered widespread critical acclaim upon its release, achieving both commercial success and cult classic status. The film’s raw portrayal of power struggles, violence, and the complexities of human nature continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Summary
Vicky Kaushal shares thrilling anecdotes from his days as an assistant director on “Gangs of Wasseypur,” revealing the risks and challenges the crew faced while capturing the film’s raw authenticity. The film’s enduring legacy is a testament to Anurag Kashyap’s bold vision and the dedication of his team.
Roshan Kumar Sahoo is a multifaceted journalist with expertise in entertainment-related news, sports , tech, and international relations. His ability to navigate these diverse fields allows him to provide readers with a rich blend of content, from the latest entertainment buzz to cutting-edge sports technology and insightful analysis of global affairs. Roshan’s writing is characterized by its depth, accuracy, and engaging style, making him a trusted voice across multiple domains.
