Manoj Bajpayee Thanks Anurag Kashyap for Championing Indie Film Jugnuma, Stresses Industry’s Cinema Focus

Manoj Bajpayee has praised director Anurag Kashyap for supporting his new indie film, Jugnuma, and believes that many people in the film industry are truly passionate about cinema, rather than drama or gossip. Jugnuma, directed by Raam Reddy, is set in the Himalayan hills during 1989 and mixes magical realism with thriller elements. Manoj Bajpayee says the film’s unique storytelling was what interested him most. He explained that it’s unlike any story or imagination he has seen before in Indian cinema, and that Raam Reddy brought a fresh and creative approach to filmmaking.

Anurag Kashyap is presenting Jugnuma and is joined by other well-known filmmakers like Guneet Monga. Manoj Bajpayee and Anurag Kashyap have had a long friendship and professional relationship, working together on past films like Satya and Gangs of Wasseypur. For Jugnuma, Bajpayee feels lucky to be working with talented people who care about meaningful stories. He says there is a section of the industry that always puts cinema first and doesn’t waste energy on negativity.

Jugnuma has received awards at major film festivals before its release in Indian theaters. Bajpayee believes this support for independent films by respected people like Kashyap gives hope to filmmakers who want to tell unusual stories. For him, Jugnuma is much more than a movie—it’s a chance to celebrate art and good storytelling with true cinema lovers.