Chromatic Chronicles: Exploring the Symbolism and Significance of Color in Anurag Kashyap's Films

Abstract

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is known for his unique and gritty approach to storytelling, which often explores the inner lives of individuals while also presenting the harsh realities of the world outside. Most notable aspects of Kashyap's cinematic approach are his dexterous use of color as a narrative instrument, visually assisting storytelling and conveying deeper meanings. This research paper investigates the significance of color in the films of Anurag Kashyap, concentrating on the analysis of five selected films: "Black Friday" (2004), "Dev. D" (2009), "Gulaal" (2009), "That Girl in Yellow Boots" (2010), and "Bombay Velvet" (2015). The purpose of this research is to investigate the color signature and symbolisms used in Kashyap's films, as well as analyze the significant use of primary colors in various scenes. By analyzing the specific color palettes and combinations utilized, the researcher will try to understand how Kashyap effectively employs colors to emphasize key moments and themes of his films. To justify the study’s objectives, qualitative content analysis methodology is employed, involving a systematic viewing and analysis of each film. Color occurrences will be recognized, coded, and categorized to reveal their symbolic meanings. A comparative analysis will be conducted to identify similarities and differences in the films' use of color. The results of this study will illuminate the aesthetic and narrative significance of color in Kashyap's filmmaking, explaining how color choices enrich the depiction of emotions, themes, and character dynamics. This research is significant because it reveals Kashyap's distinctive aesthetic philosophy via an examination of the symbolism embedded in his use of color. This study enriches our appreciation and interpretation of Anurag Kashyap's films by clarifying the symbolic representations and visual storytelling strategies he employs in them.