Gangs of Wasseypur is a two part epic Indian crime film co-written, produced and directed by Anurag Kashyap. It takes place over the course of a 69-year period and follows three crime families in their struggles over power, politics and vengeance. The sequels were originally shot as a single film measuring a total of 318 minutes and screened at the 2012 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight but since no Indian theatre would volunteer to screen a five plus hour movie, it was divided into two parts (159 mins and 158 mins respectively).
Anurag Kashyap has established himself as a pioneer in Indie Indian filmmaking and is now a significant creative force with international recognition. See the myETVmedia’s special feature on Kashyap at Cannes.
Stellar performances from Sneha Khanwalkar‘s for the soundtrack combined with Anurag‘sdirection and excellent script writing are the major highlights of the film. Excessive violence and the length of the movie are its weaknesses. Nevertheless, Gangs of Wasseypur is fated to become a classic of Indian’s film culture.
Director Anurag Kashyap, is renowned for his work in creating a niche in Indian cinema’s ‘avant-garde’. His trademark style of story, telling, realism, strong characters, over-the-top sequences, pure local flavor, gruesome bloody violence and raw humor provides an interestingly spin to this twisted tale.
Sneha Khanwalkar layering the singer’s folksy rendition over a techno template in her customary style engages listeners. The energy of the singers and the music is a major contributor to the drama.
On the whole, Gangs of Wasseypur
-Christophe Chanel