Anurag Kashyap hails Rekhachitram, Thudarum, and Eko: “I see more Malayalam films in a week than Hindi films”

Anurag Kashyap hails Rekhachitram, Thudarum, and Eko: “I see more Malayalam films in a week than Hindi films”

• Anurag Kashyap praises Malayalam cinema's originality and risks
• He highlights Rekhachitram, Thudarum, and Eko as standout films
• Kashyap says Kerala's film culture supports unique storytelling

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Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has spotlighted the creative strength of Malayalam cinema, particularly Rekhachitram, Thudarum and Eko, and questioned why such films rarely emerge from Bollywood. In a conversation with Tried and Refused Productions, Kashyap lauded the word-of-mouth success and original storytelling culture in Kerala’s film industry, saying it stands out because audiences and creators alike embrace risk-taking and cinematic experimentation.

Anurag Kashyap pointed out that Kerala’s film culture — supported by film clubs, educated viewers and a collaborative creative environment — has helped smaller, distinctive films thrive without the massive commercial machinery typical of Hindi cinema. He described this ecosystem as “magical,” noting how genuine audience buzz can elevate films organically rather than relying on star power or big marketing budgets.

In an interaction with Tried and Refused Productions, Anurag said, “That is the most magical thing about it because it is one of the most educated and cinephile states. There is a film culture, there are film clubs, filmmakers support each other. If you see a movie like Rekhachitram, where they do not have hesitation… where you are taking the shoot of Bharatan, how Mammootty came… that kind of a support system is not there here. I can't randomly use somebody's name. There will be a case. I can't build a film around an existing film.”

Unlike many mainstream Bollywood releases that are built around formulaic templates and celebrity vehicles, Anurag believes that movies like Rekhachitram, Thudarum and Eko represent a different kind of cinematic voice.

He further added, “In Thudarum, which I saw yesterday, it is so real. Your hero (Mohanlal) is a taxi driver! Here if you say the hero is a taxi driver who wears lungi they will say no. Here all designers make clothes and you cannot make a film like that. I love Eko. What a climax! The main character is a school teacher from Meghalaya! No stars, just the word-of-mouth. People follow films, when they will be released. The world is really different there. I think I see more Malayalam films in a week than I see Hindi films in the whole year!”

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Rekhachitram and Eko, though smaller in scale compared with blockbuster fare, have found appreciation due to their engaging scripts and audience enthusiasm, while Thudarum has been recognised for blending compelling drama with commercial sensibilities. These films have resonated strongly within Malayalam cinema and beyond, showcasing the range and vitality present in regional Indian cinema today.