Anurag Kashyap on Film Critics: ‘Few Reviewers Earn Respect, Filmmakers Don’t Chase Validation Anymore’

Anurag Kashyap Says Only a Few Critics Matter Now, Backs ‘Stolen’ for Its Content, Not Names.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who recently came on board as executive producer for the action-thriller Stolen, says that filmmakers today no longer seek validation from reviews, as only a few critics continue to hold genuine respect. The film, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video, marks the directorial debut of Karan Tejpal and is backed by Kashyap along with Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, and Nikkhil Advani.

‘Stolen is About the Film, Not the Names’
Speaking about the collaboration, Kashyap emphasized that it’s the film’s story that stands out—not the heavyweight names behind it. “We all have different filmmaking sensibilities. So if we’re all supporting Stolen, it’s because the film deserves a diverse audience,” he said. He also recalled how valuable such support would have been during his early career with films like Paanch or Gulaal.

Distrust in Reviews
Commenting on the changing relationship between filmmakers, audiences, and film criticism, Kashyap said, “The audience doesn’t trust anything anymore. And honestly, neither do we as filmmakers.” He lamented the decline in credible reviews, adding, “There was a time when critics’ opinions meant something to us—there was joy in reading thoughtful reviews. Now, it’s down to just four or five reviewers whose opinions we actually respect.”

‘Stolen’ Wins Praise
Stolen, starring Abhishek Banerjee, has earned critical acclaim for its taut narrative and grounded storytelling. Kashyap said the film’s success is a reminder that good content can still break through, especially when it’s championed by those with experience.

Stolen is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.