The Reality Behind the Made-For-the-Screen Story: Is Gangs of Wasseypur Authentic?

Introduction

The film Gangs of Wasseypur, directed by Anurag Kashyap, has captivated audiences with its elaborate plot and gripping storyline. However, there has been much debate around the question of how much of the story is grounded in reality. This article aims to explore the true extent of the authenticity behind the narrative of Gangs of Wasseypur.

Origins of the Script

The original script for Gangs of Wasseypur was written by Zeishan Quadri. Before the script was adopted for the movie, Quadri would wait for Anurag Kashyap outside the Prithvi theatre. Whenever Anurag emerged from a show, Zeishan would approach him with his script, hoping for a response. However, Anurag initially dismissed the script, deeming it similar to Hollywood movies. After Zeishan provided newspaper clippings to demonstrate the real-life basis of the story, Anurag showed interest in the project. The agreement allowed Anurag to edit and rewrite the script, paving the way for the eventual creation of the film we see today.

The Authenticity of the Film

While the makers of Gangs of Wasseypur claim that most of the story is based on real events, certain adjustments were made to enhance the appeal to the audience. For instance, some scenes, such as the love scenes and the ending involving Faisl Khan and Fahim Khan, were modified to improve the visual and emotional impact of the film. It is noteworthy that much of the content, particularly the first three chapters, is based on real-life stories and incidents in Wasseypur.

Similarly, the character of Faisal Khan, played by Fahim Khan, is based on Taran Singh, a real-life character in the mining mafia of Dhanbad. The role played by Hazarat, which involves a girl being kidnapped, is a reverse of the real-life events. In actuality, it was Ramadhir Singh who threatened Sardar Khan, not the other way around. Additionally, Sultan Qureshi, a character in the film, is based on the real historical figure William Poole from The Gangs of New York.

Manipulation of the Narrative

While the movie is largely inspired by real-life events, certain alterations were made to shape the narrative and evoke audience sympathy. The infamous "Hazrat" scene, where Sardar Khan threatens Ramadhir Singh, was not originally designed by Sardar Khan. In reality, it was a Hindu girl who was kidnapped, and Ramadhir Singh made the announcement to ridicule the entire Muslim community of Wasseypur. This manipulation by Anurag Kashyap serves to drive the story's narrative against Hindus and towards sympathy for Muslims.

Conclusion

While Gangs of Wasseypur draws its inspiration from real-life events, the filmmakers have made significant adjustments to the plot, characters, and dialogue to enhance the narrative's impact and audience engagement. The authenticity of the story, while mostly based on real events, is a complex blend of reality and dramatization. This article serves to highlight the details and insights into the true extent of the film's authenticity and the artful manipulation of the narrative by its creators.