Anurag Kashyap Reveals He Offered Nishaanchi to Sushant Singh Rajput, But Actor ‘Stopped Responding’

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has revealed that his upcoming directorial, Nishaanchi, was initially planned with Sushant Singh Rajput in the lead role. However, the actor stopped responding after landing big-budget films.

August 28, 2025: In a new revelation that has captured the attention of fans, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has disclosed that his upcoming movie, Nishaanchi, was originally meant for the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

In a recent interview, Kashyap stated that the actor was initially on board for the project but later stopped responding to him after getting offers from major production houses.

Speaking to Galatta Plus, the filmmaker said, “This was the film that I, at one point, wanted to make with Sushant (Singh Rajput). And then he got two very big films—Dil Bechara and Drive—they were both with Dharma earlier. Then my film was on a backburner, then he stopped responding, so I then moved away. It was announced with him back in 2016.”

Sushant Singh Rajput, who passed away on June 14, 2020, was a celebrated star whose final film was Dil Bechara. This is not the first time Kashyap has spoken about his professional interactions with the actor. Following Sushant’s demise, Kashyap had publicly stated that the actor had a strong desire for validation from prominent production houses like YRF and Dharma, which often led him to prioritize their projects.

Now, Nishaanchi is gearing up for its theatrical release with a new cast. The film marks the acting debut of Balasaheb Thackeray’s grandson, Aaishvary Thackeray, in the lead role. The cast also features Vedika Pinto, Monika Panwar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Kumud Mishra.

The film’s teaser, which was unveiled earlier, has already created a buzz, with many netizens comparing its raw, gritty feel to Kashyap’s earlier work like Gangs Of Wasseypur. Kashyap himself tweeted about the teaser, promising a film filled with “emotion, action, and desi drama.” The movie is scheduled to hit the big screens on September 19, 2025.