Anurag Kashyap Opens Up About Netflix Dropping Maximum City and Its Impact on His Health
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has revealed the deep personal and professional toll caused by the cancellation of his ambitious series adaptation of Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found. The project, which was in development for nearly two years with streaming giant Netflix, was initially approved but later quietly shelved, leaving the director devastated.
In a recent interaction with Mid-Day, Kashyap spoke candidly about the emotional strain he experienced after the platform dropped the project without clear communication.
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A Dream Project That Never Reached the Screen
Maximum City is based on the acclaimed book by journalist Suketu Mehta, which explores the complex realities of life in Mumbai—from its criminal underworld to its film industry and everyday struggles of its residents.
Kashyap, known for his gritty storytelling and realistic portrayal of urban India, had spent nearly two years developing the series. According to him, the project was not just another show but something he had become deeply emotionally invested in.
“Imagine giving two years to something and getting emotionally attached to it. I had a massive implosion,” he said while describing his reaction to the cancellation.
The filmmaker revealed that the sudden shelving of the project without proper explanation made the situation even harder to process.
Emotional Crisis and Health Complications
The disappointment surrounding the cancellation reportedly triggered a serious emotional crisis for Kashyap. He shared that the stress and frustration eventually affected his physical health as well.
The filmmaker disclosed that he suffered a heart attack during that period and had to undergo rehabilitation while focusing on recovery.
According to Kashyap, the emotional strain of losing a project he had dedicated years to was overwhelming. The lack of transparency regarding the decision added to his distress.
Criticism of Netflix’s Approach to Indian Content
During the conversation, Kashyap also expressed his frustration with what he believes is Netflix’s approach toward Indian storytelling.
He suggested that despite his long association with the platform, he feels that it still struggles to fully understand the Indian market and the type of content audiences connect with.
Over the years, Kashyap has worked with Netflix on projects that brought global attention to Indian web series. However, the shelving of Maximum City appears to have significantly strained that relationship.
A Career Built on Bold Storytelling
Anurag Kashyap has long been regarded as one of India’s most influential filmmakers, known for pushing creative boundaries and portraying raw, realistic narratives. His notable works include films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Black Friday, and Dev.D.
His work has often explored themes of crime, politics, and society, making him a natural choice to adapt a complex book like Maximum City.
Moving Forward After the Setback
Despite the emotional and physical toll, Kashyap has continued working on new projects and rebuilding his momentum in the industry. The filmmaker remains known for his resilience and willingness to speak openly about the challenges faced by creators in the modern entertainment landscape.
While Maximum City may never reach audiences in the form he envisioned, Kashyap’s candid remarks have once again highlighted the pressures filmmakers face in the rapidly evolving streaming era.
For many fans of his work, the revelation also underscores how deeply creators can become attached to the stories they spend years bringing to life.
