Gangs of Wasseypur 1

*Gangs of Wasseypur* is a two-part Hindi-language black comedy crime epic released in 2012, directed and produced by Anurag Kashyap and co-written with Zeishan Quadri. The film delves into the coal mafia of Dhanbad, exploring themes of power struggles, politics, and vengeance among three crime families. With a sprawling ensemble cast that includes Manoj Bajpai, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pankaj Tripathi, Richa Chadda, Jaideep Ahlawat, Huma Qureshi, and Tigmanshu Dhulia, the story spans nearly seven decades, from 1941 to 2009.

Originally conceived as a single film running 321 minutes, it premiered at the 2012 Cannes Directors' Fortnight. However, due to its length, it was split into two parts for theatrical release in India, where five-hour films are not feasible for screenings.

The series garnered critical acclaim and became a commercial success, earning a cult following over the years for its dark humor, innovative soundtrack, and gritty, realistic approach to storytelling that was unprecedented in Bollywood. In 2019, *The Guardian* ranked it 59th in their list of the 100 greatest films of the 21st century, cementing its reputation as one of the finest film series ever made.