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Gangs of Wasseypur

Gangs of Wasseypur is a 2012 Indian Hindi-language epic crime film directed by Anurag Kashyap and written by Kashyap with Zeishan Quadri.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gangs of Wasseypur is a 2012 Indian Hindi-language epic crime film directed by Anurag Kashyap and co-written by Kashyap with Zeishan Quadri. It is the first part of a two-part film centered on the coal mafia of Dhanbad and the power struggles, politics, and revenge between three crime families across several decades.

Premise

The film depicts a long-running blood feud among crime families in Wasseypur and surrounding areas. Its story links local politics, coal mining, and organized crime over several decades.

Production

Gangs of Wasseypur was directed by Anurag Kashyap and written by Kashyap with Zeishan Quadri. It was conceived as a two-part film because of its large scale and long narrative span.

Cast and characters

The film features an ensemble cast led by Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Richa Chadha, Huma Qureshi, and Piyush Mishra. The story centers on rival gang families and the changing roles of successive generations.

Reception and legacy

The film is widely discussed as one of the major Indian gangster films of its era. It gained attention for its length, scope, and portrayal of crime, politics, and social conflict.

Key facts

  • The film was released in 2012 and is the first part of a two-part story.
  • It follows conflicts tied to the coal mafia in Dhanbad and Wasseypur.
  • The narrative spans multiple generations and decades, beginning in the 1940s.
  • Its central themes include revenge, power struggles, politics, and organized crime.
  • The film was directed by Anurag Kashyap and co-written by Kashyap and Zeishan Quadri.
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Canadian context

The film has been screened and reviewed internationally, including in North American release and Canadian film-culture contexts, making it relevant to Canadian viewers interested in Indian cinema.

Frequently asked questions

What is Gangs of Wasseypur about?
It is about a multi-generational feud among crime families linked to the coal mafia in Dhanbad and Wasseypur.
Who directed Gangs of Wasseypur?
Anurag Kashyap directed the film.
When was Gangs of Wasseypur released?
It was released in 2012.
Is Gangs of Wasseypur a single film or a series?
It is the first part of a two-part film project.
What language is Gangs of Wasseypur in?
The film is in Hindi.
What genre is Gangs of Wasseypur?
It is generally described as an epic crime film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangs_of_Wasseypur
    Supports: Release year, director, writers, two-part structure, setting, and plot overview
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1954470/
    Supports: Director, release date, language, cast, and general plot synopsis
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gangs_of_wasseypur
    Supports: Director, writers, genre, original language, and runtime
  4. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/gangs-of-wasseypur-2015
    Supports: Critical discussion of the film's scope, North American release, and thematic focus