Ranvir calls out ‘Bollywood Flunkies’ angering Anurag Kashyap

Actor Ranvir Shorey has called out “independent film crusaders” who have turned into “mainstream Bollywood flunkies” and it appears filmmaker Anurag Kashyap was left fuming.

Recently, Kangana Ranaut’s statements on Bollywood actors and filmmakers have caused another debate in the film industry.

In fact, her statements have left many people divided.

On Monday, 20 July 2020, Ranvir took to Twitter to express his frustration at filmmakers. He wrote:

“So many independent-film-crusaders have turned mainstream-bollywood-flunkies now.

“These are the same people who used to rant 24/7 about the ‘system’ for attention before they were given entry into the pearly gates of mainstream Bollywood. #Hypocrisy much?”

So many independent-film-crusaders have turned mainstream-bollywood-flunkies now. These are the same people who used to rant 24/7 about the “system” for attention before they were given entry into the pearly gates of mainstream Bollywood. #Hypocrisy much?

— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020

However, it appears Anurag Kashyap took offence. Questioning Ranvir, he wrote:

“Do you really mean that @RanvirShorey. If you do please explain. Please say exactly what you mean and whose flunky is who?”

Replying to Anurag’s tweet, Ranvir said:

“I always say what I mean, @anuragkashyap72, you know that. And I don’t think what I’ve said lacks any clarity.

“It pretty much explains everything as for taking names, that’s beneath me. I’m not trying to sling mud, but just reminding people where they come from.”

I always say what I mean, @anuragkashyap72, you know that. And I don’t think what I’ve said lacks any clarity. It pretty much explains everything. As for taking names, that’s beneath me. I’m not trying to sling mud, but just reminding people where they come from. https://t.co/r4BRBH8Mwo

— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020

To this, Anurag replied:

“So let’s talk. Right here. Whose flunky you think I am? Don’t mix the pain of your past with this debate.

“I will say everything here .. the correction is needed in this industry like every industry. I operate alone .. bolo.”

He continued to state:

“And no one works with outsiders more than me .. and I can see what’s wrong with all that is going on and I see the game.

“Being played and people being used. Trust me I am not gutted by what you said, no one could gut me in 27 years .. and I am absolutely calm.”

Anurag further added:

“And I will say this clearly – I am speaking here with you because I won’t allow you or anyone to distract or change the narrative of how the industry is being used.

“I won’t allow you to change or create the perception about me and make anyone believe otherwise.”

In response, Ranvir said:

“I didn’t mention you, so why don’t you confess whose flunky you are, if you’re so gutted by what I’ve said.

“And I don’t understand what you mean by ‘the pain of my past’ nonsense. Don’t try to be my shrink. I assure you, I work even more alone than you!”

And no one works with outsiders more than me .. and I can see what’s wrong with all that is going on and I see the game
Being played and people being used . Trust me I am not gutted by what you said , no one could gut me in 27 years .. and I am absolutely calm ..

— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) July 21, 2020

He added:

“I think you’re making the mistake of carrying the mantle of ‘independent film crusader’ all by yourself.

“Let me remind you, independent cinema has been and always will be more than you.

“So you be you, and let others be themselves. Don’t belittle others when they’re crying out.”

I think you’re making the mistake of carrying the mantle of “independent film crusader” all by yourself. Let me remind you, independent cinema has been and always will be more than you. So you be you, and let others be themselves. Don’t belittle others when they’re crying out.

— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020

However, Anurag, who was convinced Ranvir was referring to him, sarcastically said:

“Oh so you weren’t talking about me? That’s incredible. Totally my fault that I misread you.

“Which means my replies were totally unnecessary and unwarranted. Cool. Coming to belittling – who did I belittle? Exactly??

“I thank no that one is directed at me for sure?”

Sharing a screenshot of Anurag’s tweet, Ranvir clarified:

“How many people are you belittling when you say they are ‘distracting or changing the narrative?’

“Who are you to control the narrative? Everyone has the right to talk about their pain, just like you!

“And yes, your replies to me were unnecessary I’m not here to make a spectacle.”

How many people are you belittling when you say they are “distracting or changing the narrative”? Who are you to control the narrative? Everyone has the right to talk about their pain, just like you! And yes, your replies to me were unnecessary. I’m not here to make a spectacle. pic.twitter.com/SUUG1TLC6g

— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020

Anurag went on to say: “Okay. I buy that. You see Kangana’s outburst as her pain. Fine. I will agree to disagree.”

Again, clarifying his stance Ranvir said: “Again, I wasn’t mentioning any names, you are. Who is to say who is in real pain and who’s an attention seeker?

“I’m just defending everyone’s right to speak their own truth. Just like you do. You can agree or disagree.”

Again, I wasn’t mentioning any names, you are. Who is to say who is in real pain and who’s an attention seeker? I’m just defending everyone’s right to speak their own truth. Just like you do. You can agree or disagree.

— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) July 21, 2020

Meanwhile, Anurag Kashyap was called a “puppet of Bollywood” by a Twitter user.

The filmmaker replied stating he had helped the director of Kangana’s film, Tanu Weds Manu (2011). He wrote:

“I do not earn my bread from Bollywood. There is no Dharma, Excel or YRF or any studio to produce my film.

“Have to build a new company myself and I make it myself. Queen (2013) was made when Kangana had no work.

“When Tanu Weds Manu (2011) was stuck, I had helped Aanand L Rai in meeting producers at that time. You can ask. I am taking names and I will say the truth.”