Anurag Kashyap Reflects on Bombay Velvet's Ballooning Budget and Casting Challenges

In a recent interview, acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap opened up about the challenges he faced while directing the 2015 film Bombay Velvet. Kashyap reveals that the film's budget had ballooned from an initial Rs. 28 crore to a staggering Rs. 90 crore, a figure he struggled to justify.

Kashyap explains that the increase in budget forced him to make significant changes to his original vision for the film. He had to create an elaborate set and studio in Sri Lanka, rather than filming on location in Mumbai as he had initially planned. Kashyap also shares that he had to cut 25 minutes from the final edit of the film, fearing it would get fewer shows due to its lengthy runtime.

The director further discloses that Ranveer Singh was his first choice for the lead role, but the actor was dismissed by other directors as the "treadmill" due to his high energy. Ultimately, Kashyap cast Ranbir Kapoor, whom he describes as a fantastic actor. Despite the challenges, Kashyap stands by the film he made, though he believes it could have been made for a much lower budget.