The dynamic between filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and actor-writer Piyush Mishra has once again become a topic of discussion, with Mishra recently expressing his discontent with the second halves of some of Kashyap's most celebrated films. This isn't the first time differences between the two have surfaced.

In a recent interview, Piyush Mishra didn't hold back while discussing Anurag Kashyap's filmography. Appearing alongside Manoj Bajpayee, Raam Reddy, and Anurag Kashyap himself on the Humans of Cinema YouTube channel, Mishra stated that Kashyap has a tendency to falter in the latter portions of his movies. He specifically pointed out Gulaal, Dev D, and Gangs of Wasseypur as examples.

Mishra stated that he avoids watching Gulaal entirely, confessing he never understood the second half. "I'm sorry, Anurag, I know I'm in the film, but I didn't get the second half of Gulaal. I have no idea what you did," Mishra said. He went on to say that Kashyap seems to sabotage his own work, as if deliberately ruining a film that's shaping up well. "He makes half a good movie, then he spoils it," Mishra added.

Regarding Dev D, Mishra felt the film, which he thought would focus on alcoholism, went in a strange direction after a strong first half. He expressed a similar sentiment about Gangs of Wasseypur, saying Kashyap "lost his mind" in the second part after a compelling start.

Kashyap, known for his unfiltered personality, laughed off the criticism, remarking that Mishra is always blunt with his opinions, often dismissing films as "bakwaas" without explanation. Despite the criticisms, both Mishra and Bajpayee acknowledged Kashyap's significant impact on Indian cinema. Mishra stated, "When the history of Hindi cinema is written, there will be time before Anurag Kashyap and after Anurag Kashyap".

This recent critique echoes sentiments from 2018 when Mishra reportedly said Kashyap had "lost his mind" after Gangs of Wasseypur and made some bad movies like Bombay Velvet, Raman Raghav 2.0, and Ugly. However, Mishra later clarified that his statement was misquoted and that Anurag was like a younger brother to him and his closest creative partner. Kashyap responded lightheartedly, saying that Mishra only abuses those he loves and that he considers Mishra's voice essential to his film Gulaal.

Despite occasional disagreements, Kashyap and Mishra share a bond forged through numerous collaborations, including Gangs of Wasseypur, Gulaal, Black Friday, and That Girl in Yellow Boots.

In 2023, Mishra acknowledged differences in their political and ethical views, stating that they can't talk for more than 15 minutes. He described their relationship as "a bone stuck in my throat. I can't swallow it, and I can't spit it out".

The recent video clip of Mishra's critique has gone viral, sparking discussions online. Many viewers have praised Mishra's candidness and playful honesty, while also reflecting on Kashyap's films. Some online commentators agreed with Mishra's assessment of Gulaal's second half.