A Vision That Never Took Flight

Anurag Kashyap, a filmmaker celebrated for his raw and unconventional storytelling, recently shared insights into his unfulfilled project, Nishaanchi, originally envisioned with the late Sushant Singh Rajput. Announced in 2016, the film was set to be a gritty exploration of twin brothers with contrasting values, a narrative rooted in India’s heartland. However, the collaboration fell apart as Sushant’s career trajectory shifted, leaving Nishaanchi on hold until its revival with a new cast, including Aaishvary Thackeray, Monika Panwar, and Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, slated for release on September 19, 2025.

Sushant’s Shift After MS Dhoni

Following the massive success of MS Dhoni: The Untold Story in 2016, Sushant Singh Rajput became a household name. Kashyap revealed that during this time, he approached Sushant for Nishaanchi through casting director Mukesh Chhabra. The script, tailored for an actor from Uttar Pradesh, seemed a perfect fit for Sushant’s versatile talent. However, after signing two major films with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions—Dil Bechara and Drive—Sushant reportedly stopped responding to Kashyap. This shift, as Kashyap noted, pushed Nishaanchi to the back burner, highlighting the actor’s prioritization of bigger production houses.

Seeking Validation from Industry Giants

Kashyap’s reflections shed light on a broader trend in Bollywood, where actors, especially outsiders, often seek validation from established banners like Yash Raj Films (YRF) and Dharma Productions. He recalled a similar instance with Hasee Toh Phasee, a film Sushant initially committed to under Kashyap’s Phantom Films. When YRF offered him a three-film deal, including Shuddh Desi Romance, Sushant opted for the bigger banner, dropping Hasee Toh Phasee. Kashyap, empathetic to this choice, stated, “It’s with every actor, so I am not holding any grudges.” He emphasized that the allure of validation from industry heavyweights often shapes career decisions, particularly for newcomers navigating Bollywood’s complex dynamics.

The Cost of Missed Collaborations

The unmaterialized collaboration between Kashyap and Sushant underscores the challenges of aligning creative visions in an industry driven by power and prestige. Kashyap’s Nishaanchi was a personal project, one he insisted on making “the right way.” After Sushant’s departure, Kashyap moved on to direct Mukkabaaz, but the missed opportunity with Sushant lingered. The actor’s tragic passing in June 2020 added a layer of poignancy to these revelations, sparking discussions about Bollywood’s treatment of outsiders and the pressures of conforming to industry hierarchies.

Kashyap’s Resilience and Nishaanchi’s New Chapter

Despite setbacks, Kashyap’s commitment to Nishaanchi endured. Now, with a fresh cast and a promise of raw emotion, action, and drama, the film aims to deliver his signature “desi” storytelling. Kashyap’s journey reflects his resilience in navigating Bollywood’s competitive landscape, where creative control often clashes with commercial pressures. His candidness about Sushant’s choices and the industry’s validation culture offers a sobering look at the trade-offs artists face, making Nishaanchi not just a film but a testament to perseverance amid missed opportunities.

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