Revisiting Anurag Kashyap’s Kafkaesque No Smoking, A Film Ahead Of Its Time

If you are reading this intentionally, you either happen to be well versed with Anurag Kashyap’s filmography or eager to know more about the director’s 2007 underrated gem No Smoking. Before we get on to the film, those unaware of the term Kafkaesque, it is a term used for Franz Kafka’s literature which is filled with anxiety, absurdity, and an erratic form of storytelling. And over the years, it has inspired filmmakers and writers to conclude their stories with only the required details.

Watch Anurag Kashyap‘s blockbuster movie Haddi on ZEE5 in 4K.

The rest is left up to the viewers to decode, and that’s what true art is. In a similar way, we take a look at our widespread library to revisit Kashyap’s highly underappreciated film No Smoking which deserves more than it got. What makes this film a great work of art? Well, here’s taking a look at the 2007 neo-noir which was a courageous venture.

Crux of the Plot

No Smoking revolves around K (John Abraham), yes it’s K! A self-obsessed chain-smoker who decides to quit smoking after restless appeals made by his wife Anjali (Ayesha Takia). In order to quit his habit, he joins a rehabilitation center Prayogshala which functions in a smoky underground base in the busy streets of Mumbai. The center is headed by the equally powerful character Baba Bengali played by Paresh Rawal. Soon, K finds himself trapped in the system which has no way to escape.

The complex plot drives us through a series of events that aims to make the viewer feel uneasy making us aware of K’s perspective as he loses the grip over reality. The film draws inspiration from Stephen King’s short story Quitters Inc and offers complete justice with a Kafkaesque twist in it. 

Anatomy of a Character

Kashyap’s camera movements and storytelling can enhance the way we look at a character. For example K, who’s not diplomatic and is carefree even at a time when his family’s life is at stake. The characters create an impression in the mind of the viewers which makes the act more interesting to watch. Ranvir Shorey who essays K’s friend and Rawal’s portrayal of Baba Bengali and the doctor later is surely capable of a universe of characters that need to be restored on-screen.

Decoding ‘No Smoking’ (Spoiler Alert!)

No Smoking was a failure at the box-office and over the years the film earned a great status among the movie-goers, thanks to the internet.  The film flopped commercially due to its non-linear plot which is left completely up to the viewers to interpret. And each person can have his own interpretation. No Smoking begins from K’s journey in conquering his habit of smoking. And an important point to highlight here is that it’s not K who decides to do so, it’s his surroundings that appeals to him to quit his bad habit.

As we get close to the climax, Baba Bengali turns into a doctor, and the Prayogshala is a properly functioning hospital in the midst of the city which clearly implies how K’s treatment included dealing with his unconscious mind. Though in the end, he gets rid of smoking but for the worst, he loses complete control over his life. Isn’t it quite creative for a 2007 film?

Well, we can say that Anurag Kashyap’s No Smoking was way ahead of its time and surely deserves more than it got. Do watch the film if you haven’t yet.

No Smoking available on Zee5.