Anurag Kashyap's directorial debut Paanch, which was shelved in 2003 due to objections from the Central Board of Film Certification and other issues, is finally set to release in the first half of 2025. Producer Tutu Sharma has confirmed that the dark thriller will hit theaters within six months. In an exclusive interview, Sharma revealed that the film negatives have slightly deteriorated over time and are currently being restored.
Sharma addressed the past troubles with the CBFC, stating that the issues were resolved, but the film faced additional challenges, leading to its delayed release. Despite this, Sharma is hopeful about Paanch's prospects, considering the current trend of re-releases and reruns. He believes that the film's potential is vast, making it an encouraging sign.
Paanch boasts stellar performances from its cast, including Kay Kay Menon and Tejaswini Kolhapure. The film also features Aditya Srivastava, Vijay Maurya, Joy Fernandes, Sharat Saxena, and Vijay Raaz. The music of this long-awaited release has been composed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Inspired by the 1976 Joshi-Abhyankar murder case, Paanch revolves around five morally ambiguous bandmates who spiral into crime, betrayal, and violence.
With its unique storyline and talented cast, Paanch is expected to generate significant interest among audiences. As Anurag Kashyap's directorial debut, the film's release is a significant milestone in his career.