Gangs of Wasseypur - Part 1

"Gangs of Wasseypur - Part 1" is an epic gangster drama directed by Anurag Kashyap and authored by Kashyap and Zeishan Quadri that was released in 2012. It is the first instalment of the movie "Gangs of Wasseypur," which delves into the coal mafia of Dhanbad, exploring the intricate power struggles, political entanglements, and vendettas that span from 1941 to the mid-1990s. Part 1 features an ensemble cast, including Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadda, Reema Sen, Piyush Mishra, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vineet Kumar Singh, Pankaj Tripathi, Huma Qureshi, Anurita Jha, and Tigmanshu Dhulia.

Originally shot as a single, lengthy film running into 319 minutes, it was divided into two parts for practical screening purposes. "Gangs of Wasseypur" was notably screened in its entirety at the 2012 Cannes Directors' Fortnight, a rare achievement for a Hindi-language film, and it was also showcased at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013. The film's locations in Varanasi, Bihar, and Chunar influenced its soundtrack, primarily comprising Indian folk music.

Upon its theatrical release in June 2012, "Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1" garnered critical acclaim and received numerous awards and nominations. It received recognition at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival and the National Film Awards. Notably, Nawazuddin Siddiqui earned a Special Mention for his performance. The film also secured several Filmfare Awards, including the Critics Award for Best Film and Best Actress for Richa Chadda.

The plot unfolds in a layered narrative, chronicling the historical backdrop of Wasseypur and Dhanbad, beginning in the 1940s, and follows the intricate interplay of characters and events through the subsequent decades, painting a vivid and unflinching portrayal of the coal mafia's influence on the region. The prologue sets the stage with a violent family execution in Wasseypur, and the story intricately weaves together family dynamics, crime, politics, and vengeance, setting the stage for the sequel, "Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2."