‘Keep Inspiring and Breaking Our Hearts’: Anurag Kashyap’s Note to Imtiaz Ali After Main Vaapas Aaunga
In an industry where commercial rivalries often dominate public narratives, moments of raw artistic solidarity between veteran filmmakers are always a refreshing sight. The latest display of mutual admiration came from Anurag Kashyap, who went all out on social media to champion fellow director Imtiaz Ali’s newly released romantic period drama, Main Vaapas Aaunga. Sharing a striking monochrome photograph of Ali on his Instagram grid, Kashyap penned a heartfelt, incredibly warm review that celebrated the film's emotional impact while urging audiences to actively support homegrown cinematic storytelling on the big screen.
Kashyap’s note was uniquely timed to coincide with Imtiaz Ali's birthday, and he intentionally framed his praise around the director's current artistic evolution. "The fresh brand new @imtiazaliofficial," Kashyap wrote. "After his first film Chamkila, his sophomore film MAIN VAPAS AAOONGA is running in cinemas. Go watch it, and I love you Muttonkhor. Keep inspiring and breaking our hearts." The humorous use of the nickname "Muttonkhor" instantly grabbed fans' attention online, signaling the deep, decades-long personal friendship and camaraderie the two filmmakers share behind closed doors.
Released theatrically on June 12, 2026, Main Vaapas Aaunga has been steadily winning over audiences and industry peers with its soulful, sensitive storytelling. Jointly produced by Birla Studios, Applause Entertainment, and Window Seat Films, the narrative charts a deeply moving multi-generational exploration of love, unrequited memories, and identity set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1947 Partition.
The story centers on an elderly man (played by a legendary Naseeruddin Shah) on his deathbed remembering the events of the Partition, while his grandson (played by Vedang Raina as the younger self/grandson narrative) attempts to make sense of his grandfather's words. Boasting an exceptional ensemble cast that features stellar turns from Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari, and Banita Sandhu, the film is gaining significant traction as industry stalwarts unite to amplify its theatrical run.
A Birthday Note to a "Fresh, Brand New" Filmmaker
Kashyap’s note was uniquely timed to coincide with Imtiaz Ali's birthday, and he intentionally framed his praise around the director's current artistic evolution. "The fresh brand new @imtiazaliofficial," Kashyap wrote. "After his first film Chamkila, his sophomore film MAIN VAPAS AAOONGA is running in cinemas. Go watch it, and I love you Muttonkhor. Keep inspiring and breaking our hearts." The humorous use of the nickname "Muttonkhor" instantly grabbed fans' attention online, signaling the deep, decades-long personal friendship and camaraderie the two filmmakers share behind closed doors.
Playful Accusations of "Stealing" Creative Partners
Beyond showering praise on the film's poignant emotional canvas, Kashyap playfully called out Ali for monopolizing a few of his own favorite behind-the-scenes collaborators. "Aur mere humdumon ko chori karna band karo, humein bhi kaam karna hai (And stop stealing all my favourite collaborators, yaar. The rest of us have films to make too)." He went on to explicitly credit the powerhouse creative team behind the "heartbreaking crime," tipping his hat to his former wife and ace film editor Aarti Bajaj, alongside cinematographer Sylvester Fonseca, musical maestro A.R. Rahman, lyricist Irshad Kamil, and producer Shibasish Sarkar.
A Moving Partition Tale Striking a Chord
Released theatrically on June 12, 2026, Main Vaapas Aaunga has been steadily winning over audiences and industry peers with its soulful, sensitive storytelling. Jointly produced by Birla Studios, Applause Entertainment, and Window Seat Films, the narrative charts a deeply moving multi-generational exploration of love, unrequited memories, and identity set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1947 Partition.The story centers on an elderly man (played by a legendary Naseeruddin Shah) on his deathbed remembering the events of the Partition, while his grandson (played by Vedang Raina as the younger self/grandson narrative) attempts to make sense of his grandfather's words. Boasting an exceptional ensemble cast that features stellar turns from Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari, and Banita Sandhu, the film is gaining significant traction as industry stalwarts unite to amplify its theatrical run.
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