Anurag Kashyap calls Chiranjeevi ‘incredible’ and 'inspiring'

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Anurag Kashyap has praised Chiranjeevi’s fitness, enthusiasm and dedication while shooting for the Telugu film Kaaka. Calling the megastar “incredible” and “inspiring” in a recent interview, the filmmaker said he was observing the veteran actor “like a fanboy” on set.

Kashyap also compared Chiranjeevi’s energy and fitness to Anil Kapoor, adding that the actor makes him feel “much older” than he is. Directed by Bobby Kolli, Kaaka is scheduled to release during the Sankranti festive season in January 2027.

Filmmaker and actor Anurag Kashyap has joined the sets of Chiranjeevi’s upcoming Telugu film 'Kaaka' in Hyderabad. Directed by Bobby Kolli, the project is described as a family action entertainer, with Kashyap playing a significant antagonist.Following his appearance in the Telugu film 'Dacoit', Kashyap is now working on another major South Indian project. In a conversation with Variety India, the Gangs of Wasseypur director spoke about his experience of sharing the screen with Chiranjeevi and expressed admiration for the veteran actor’s energy, focus and enthusiasm.“He is incredible. Absolutely sincere and focused, and very inspiring. He is excited and enthused like it’s his first film,” Kashyap said.

The filmmaker was particularly impressed by the commitment Chiranjeevi brings to his work despite his long and successful career. For Kashyap, the actor’s enthusiasm has been a reminder that a sustained career can go hand in hand with the excitement of taking on a new project.

‘He makes me feel much older than I am’: Anurag Kashyap compares Chiranjeevi to Anil Kapoor

Kashyap also praised Chiranjeevi’s physical fitness, comparing the megastar to Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, with whom he worked in AK vs AK.“At his age, he is the epitome of fitness goals. He reminds me of Anil Kapoor. I worked with Anil as a co-star in ‘AK vs AK.’ Like Anil, Chiranjeevi sir makes me feel much older than I am. His energy and enthusiasm are very inspiring. I am shooting and observing this amazing man like a fanboy,” he said.

Anurag Kashyap praises Chiranjeevi’s understanding of his audience

Beyond his fitness and dedication, Kashyap praised Chiranjeevi’s understanding of his audience and his clarity about what viewers expect from his films.“His understanding and clarity of his audience’s requirements are amazing. The Telugu film industry is a different world. Shooting for a mainstream film here is a whole learning experience for me,” he added.

What is ‘Kaaka’ about? Teaser introduces Chiranjeevi as Satyam

The teaser for Kaaka was released on Chiranjeevi’s birthday and introduced him as Satyam, a supervisor at a shrimp farm called Ammaji Aqua Industries. The teaser features a sequence in which a key falls into a pool filled with shrimps.

Satyam uses a giant electromagnet to retrieve it, but the operation brings several weapons out of the water as well, hinting at the action that lies beneath the film’s seemingly ordinary setting.Directed by Bobby Kolli, Kaaka is positioned as a family action entertainer and features Chiranjeevi in the lead role, with Anurag Kashyap playing an important antagonist. The project marks another collaboration between the Telugu film industry and a filmmaker known for his work in Hindi cinema.Kaaka is scheduled to release in theatres on January 13, 2027, during the Sankranti festive season.