Joju George to team up with Anurag Kashyap: 'Don't know what is lacking in Bollywood but in Malayalam...'

Anurag Kashyap was recently seen in Rifle Club, making a remarkable acting debut in Malayalam with Aashiq Abu’s film. The Bollywood filmmaker-actor, who often speaks highly of films in the south generally, had praised Joju George’s directorial debut Pani as well. The two talented filmmaker-actors are set to collaborate soon. Recently, Joju George was asked about collaborating with Anurag Kashyap and what is lacking in Bollywood. Here’s what he said...

Joju George on Anurag Kashyap, Bollywood

Joju George is set to foray into Bollywood with a film, helmed by Anurag Kashyap. During a recent interview with Filmfare, Joju George said that his film with Anurag Kashyap is a good project.

“Hopefully, I will work with Anurag Kashyap in 2025... We discussed the story... It is a good script,” he said.

During the interview, the Pani director-actor was also asked about what is lacking in the Hindi film industry.

“I don't know about what is lacking in Bollywood but in the Malayalam industry, everyone is working hard. All the new directors are working very hard and they want to make good films. They are putting in the effort and getting good results,” he remarked.

The Malayalam film industry, especially in 2024, saw several hit films such as Manjummel Boys, and Fahadh Faasil's Aavesham that won both critics' approval and the audience’s love. The most recent Malayalam film to win approval in Hindi-speaking lands would be Marco , starring Unni Mukundan.

Also read - Manjummel Boys review: Chidambaram carves an earnest rescue thriller that relies on emotions to carry it 

Joju George’s latest release is Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal, which hit theatres on February 7, 2025. The film, directed by Sharan Venugopal, also features Suraj Venjaramoodu and Alencier Ley Lopez. The movie has opened to mostly positive reviews.

Also read - Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal review: Sharan Venugopal’s soothing, simmering family drama is an absolute gem

Anurag Kashyap’s films in the south

Anurag Kashyap, on the other hand, featured in Rifle Club, which was released in theatres on December 19, 2024. The film features an ensemble cast including Dileesh Pothan,  Vijayaraghavan, Vani Viswanath, Vineeth Kumar, Hanumankind and Surabhi Lakshmi.  The Malayalam film is now available for streaming on Netflix.

Also read - Rifle Club movie review: Aashiq Abu’s all-star cast fires in this fun, crisp and riveting thriller 

The Hindi filmmaker was also seen in Vijay Sethupathi's Maharaja and Viduthalai Part 2 in Tamil.