This frustrated film school graduate sent Anurag Kashyap a long Instagram DM, got his first break: ‘You can join me’
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Film school graduate Shivam Shankar secured a career break with Anurag Kashyap after a candid Instagram message. His recent film, 'Hanuman Ansh', explores societal decay and personal responsibility through a nuanced lens.
A Chance Encounter: The Digital Gateway to Bollywood
The trajectory of filmmaker Shivam Shankar serves as a contemporary case study for how digital accessibility is reshaping the traditional gatekeeping structures of the Indian film industry. By sending an unfiltered, long-form Instagram direct message to acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap, Shankar bypassed the conventional struggle of cold-calling production houses. This interaction, which culminated in Kashyap inviting him to join his team, highlights a shifting paradigm where authentic, albeit raw, communication can bridge the gap between aspiring talent and established industry veterans.
The Philosophy of 'Hanuman Ansh'
Shankar’s directorial endeavor, Hanuman Ansh, operates on a modest budget of ₹2 crore, a figure he identifies not as a limitation, but as a strategic strength. By working within these financial constraints, the production is forced to prioritize narrative depth and thematic resonance over spectacle. The film aims to document the perceived degradation of society, using the metaphor of a neglected washroom—where everyone offers opinions but no one takes the initiative to clean—to represent collective apathy.
Neutrality as a Narrative Tool
Unlike many contemporary filmmakers who utilize cinema as a platform for overt political messaging, Shankar explicitly rejects the role of an opinionated polemicist. He views his work as a mirror held up to the environment he grew up in, rather than a manifesto. This approach reflects a desire to document the 'chaos' of modern life without imposing a singular conclusion, allowing the audience to engage with the uncomfortable realities of their own surroundings.
Navigating the Naivety of Youth
Reflecting on his creative process, Shankar attributes his bold professional maneuvers to the 'naivety' and 'innocence' of a 25-year-old. This admission provides insight into the psychological landscape of emerging artists, who often operate without the paralyzing fear of consequences that comes with industry experience. His intent, he clarifies, was never to launch a direct attack on individuals or institutions, but rather to explore the state of human behavior.
Future Trends in Independent Cinema
The success of the Bhed Bakri Bhoot writer-director signals a broader trend in Indian independent cinema: the rise of the 'observer-filmmaker.' As digital platforms continue to proliferate, creators who can articulate complex social frustrations with sincerity—and who are willing to reach out to mentors directly—are finding new avenues for exposure. The industry is increasingly valuing voices that prioritize thematic honesty, suggesting that the next wave of Indian cinema will be defined by personal, reflective storytelling rather than traditional commercial tropes.
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