Anurag’s tussle with CBFC: 'Paanch', based on Joshi-Abhyankar murders, to release after two decades

Mumbai: Anurag Kashyap, renowned filmmaker in Bollywood, is known for his bold storytelling and often controversial subjects. His debut film, Paanch, a crime thriller based on the infamous 1976 Joshi-Abhyankar serial murders, will finally be released in 2025, more than two decades after it was completed.

Paanch, which was completed in 2003, revolves around four friends who attempt to kidnap another friend, leading to a murder and the subsequent chain of events. The film features prominent actors such as Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastav, and Tejaswini Kolhapure. Despite its strong performances and gripping storyline, the film has not been able to see the light of day in Indian theatres due to a series of hurdles with the Censor Board.

The film was initially denied a release by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to explicit content, including drug use, violent language, and graphic scenes, which the board felt could disturb audiences. Kashyap fought for the film’s release, suggesting that certain scenes could be reshot, but financial constraints prevented any changes. As a result, the movie remained shelved for years.

However, Paanch found a platform at several international film festivals, receiving positive feedback from events like the Filmfest Hamburg in Germany and the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. Despite the film's acclaim abroad, it never made it to Indian screens due to its controversial content.

Kashyap, whose other films like Udta Punjab and Bombay Velvet have also faced issues with censorship, has often had run-ins with the CBFC. His battle with the board has become a significant part of his career, as his films frequently push boundaries and challenge social norms.

The film is based on the Joshi-Abhyankar murders, which shocked India in the late 1970s. Between January 1976 and March 1977, a series of gruesome murders were committed in Pune and surrounding areas, ultimately leading to the arrest of four men—Rajendra Jakkal, Dilip Sutar, Shantaram, and Munawar. The killers, motivated by theft and drug addiction, went on to murder ten people, many from the same families, before being caught by the police. They were sentenced to death, and despite appeals to the High Court and Supreme Court, their executions were carried out in 1983.

The brutal case became the subject of several films and TV shows, with Paanch being one of the most notable adaptations. Now, after years of struggle, the film will finally be released in 2025, with the CBFC’s approval. The film's producer, Tutu Sharma, confirmed that the movie has received the necessary certification and will hit theatres soon.

Kashyap’s Paanch is not only significant for its bold content but also marks the beginning of his distinctive filmmaking career, which has consistently pushed boundaries and tackled controversial issues.