Anurag Kashyap Critiques T-Series for Underpayment in Music Deals

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently criticized the Indian music label T-Series for allegedly underpaying him for the soundtracks of his films, particularly Dev D and Gangs of Wasseypur. During an interview with The Juggernaut, Kashyap expressed his belief that the label’s financial decisions reflect a lack of appreciation for quality music.

Kashyap stated, “The idea is not to cater to the market. If T-Series, Bhushan Kumar, is not buying it, then it is good music. T-Series doesn’t buy good music at a good price.” He argued that the label focuses more on the star power of a project rather than the quality of its music. According to him, the compensation he received for the soundtracks of Dev D, Gangs of Wasseypur, and Gulaal was negligible compared to the industry standards.

He elaborated on the disparity in payments, noting that the highest amount he received from T-Series was for Bombay Velvet, despite the film’s box office failure. “They paid the highest price for that and not Dev D or Gangs of Wasseypur,” he said, emphasizing that T-Series tends to prioritize commercial viability over artistic value.

Kashyap highlighted that the music for Bombay Velvet, which features actors Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma, was well-received, yet it did not resonate with the audience due to its jazz genre. He pointed out that T-Series’ financial support is often directed toward music that aligns with mainstream tastes rather than innovative or diverse compositions.

Upcoming Projects and Industry Insights

In addition to his critiques, Kashyap is preparing for the release of his new crime drama, Nishaanchi, which is set to debut on September 19, 2025. This film marks the acting debut of Aaishvary Thackeray and is produced by Ajay Rai and Ranjan Singh under Jar Pictures in collaboration with Flip Films. It will be distributed by Amazon MGM Studios.

Kashyap has also expressed enthusiasm for regional cinema, particularly in the South Indian film industry. He is set to star alongside Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur in the upcoming gangster drama Dacoit, which is expected to release later this year.

As Kashyap continues to make waves in the Indian film industry, his candid remarks about T-Series shed light on the ongoing discussions surrounding music valuation and artistic integrity in Bollywood. His commitment to authenticity and quality resonates with many in an industry often criticized for prioritizing commercial success over creative expression.