A Long-Awaited Theatrical Release
Anurag Kashyap’s debut film Paanch, made over two decades ago, is finally set to hit theatres in 2025. This long-delayed release has been confirmed by producer Tutu Sharma, who revealed that the restoration process is already underway after the negatives of the film slightly deteriorated over time.
Producer’s Confirmation
In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Sharma expressed his excitement about the film’s release, saying, “Paanch is definitely coming next year. I plan to release it in cinemas within six months. The film was banned, and the negatives have slightly deteriorated. The process of restoring them has already started. As soon as it’s ready, we’ll release Paanch.”
Overcoming Challenges with the Censor Board
The film initially faced several hurdles due to conflicts with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). It was flagged for its graphic depictions of drug abuse, violence, and explicit language. Although these issues were eventually resolved, additional production-related challenges kept the film from seeing a theatrical release.
Changing Times and a Receptive Audience
Tutu Sharma emphasized how the current trend of re-runs and renewed interest in vintage films have created an opportunity for Paanch to finally find its audience. “The earlier conflicts with the CBFC were resolved, but other challenges delayed the release. Now, with audiences open to revisiting older films, it’s the perfect time to bring Paanch to the big screen,” he added.
Star Performances in Paanch
The film features a talented cast, including Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastava, Vijay Maurya, Joy Fernandes, and Tejaswini Kolhapure. Sharma particularly praised Kolhapure’s performance, calling it one of the best in the film.
According to Sharma, Paanch remains Anurag Kashyap’s finest work. “Not just Kay Kay Menon, but even Tejaswini Kolhapure is brilliant in the film. According to me, it is Anurag Kashyap’s best film to date. Many people believe that. You’ll agree with me once you see it,” he said.
Inspired by True Events
Paanch is loosely based on the infamous Joshi-Abhyankar serial murders that occurred in Pune in 1976–77. The film’s gripping storyline, combined with Kashyap’s signature gritty style, offers a raw and realistic portrayal of crime, making it one of the most talked-about unreleased films in Bollywood history.
