Renowned Bollywood director Anurag Kashyap, known for cult classics like Gangs of Wasseypur, recently opened up about why he would not make a biopic on legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. Speaking on a podcast with Filmygyan, Kashyap shared candid insights into his creative mindset and what drives him when choosing stories for the big screen.
“Kohli Is Already a Hero to Millions,” Says Kashyap
While many filmmakers might jump at the opportunity to tell Kohli’s story, Anurag Kashyap has a different perspective. He explained that making a biopic about someone like Virat Kohli—who is already a celebrated figure—doesn’t leave much room for creative exploration or new revelations.
“I don’t know if I would want to because he’s already a hero to many people, to many children. If I have to do a biopic, I would choose a difficult subject, a person’s life,” Kashyap said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
Kashyap prefers to explore complex characters and untold stories, and he believes a figure like Kohli, whose life is widely known and constantly in the public eye, doesn’t fit that mold.
“Virat Is Authentic, Emotional, and Incredible”
Despite his reluctance to create a film on Kohli, Kashyap had nothing but admiration for the cricketer as a person.
“He is a very beautiful man. I know him personally, and he is a very authentic human being. He is very emotional; he is an incredible person,” the filmmaker added.
Anurag’s remarks show that his decision has nothing to do with Kohli’s personality or achievements, but rather with his own artistic priorities and what excites him as a storyteller.
Kohli’s Upcoming Cricket Schedule
Virat Kohli, who officially retired from Test cricket in 2024 and T20Is in 2025, continues to be an integral part of India’s ODI setup. Fans can catch him in action soon, as Team India is set to tour Australia in October this year. The tour will feature three ODIs, and Kohli is expected to be part of the squad.
As cricket fans look forward to seeing Kohli back on the field, cinephiles may have to wait longer—or forever—for a Bollywood biopic on the cricket legend. But if it ever happens, it might take a director with a different vision than Anurag Kashyap’s.
