Actor John Abraham has revealed his long-standing desire for a follow-up to the surreal cult classic No Smoking. The 2007 film, directed by Anurag Kashyap, initially perplexed audiences with its abstract narrative but has since garnered a devoted fan base. According to Abraham, he has been advocating for a sequel for “the past four-five years.”
“People make sequels out of hit films. Let’s make a ‘No Smoking’ part two, and I have been telling this to him for the past four or five years,” Abraham shared in a candid conversation with India Today.
From Obscurity to Cult Legend
No Smoking arrived in cinema halls to mixed reactions, with many viewers misled by its item-song marketing. However, over time, the film developed a fervent following, especially among cinephiles drawn to its layered, surreal storytelling. Its narrative, inspired by Stephen King’s short story Quitters, Inc., took audiences through a bizarre labyrinth of myth and metaphysical exploration. Today, it’s often compared to the works of David Lynch, celebrated for its dark, dreamlike intensity and enigmatic message.
Artistic Vision and Filmmaking Bravery
The article underscores Abraham’s admiration not just for the film but for Anurag Kashyap’s broader creative ethos. He praised Kashyap’s latest work, Bandar, calling it “disturbing” in the most compelling way. “Bobby Deol is unbelievable, and Anurag’s film Bandar will disturb you. He’s made such a brilliant film,” Abraham noted.
He also emphasized his admiration for cinema that challenges conventional narratives. “Yes, I’ve often been reminded by people around me to not do this—No Smoking. No one comprehends its significance. But I understand it. I love Kafka. I love ultimate reality. So I want to do films like that. I want to do different films. Try it out.” Abraham added.
The Path to a Sequel
While John Abraham’s enthusiasm is unmistakable, the feasibility of a sequel remains uncertain. No Smoking never achieved conventional box office success, leaving its commercial viability in doubt. Nonetheless, the film’s resurgence as a cult artifact may present a unique opportunity.
In recent years, filmmakers have delivered follow-ups to films that weren’t initially commercial hits but later gained dedicated audiences. Abraham’s persistence, having pitched the idea continuously over the last four to five years, suggests a deep personal commitment to realizing the sequel.
Broader Context: Kashyap’s Evolving Cinematic World
Beyond No Smoking, Anurag Kashyap continues to carve his niche as an auteur of modern Indian cinema. His aesthetics, guerrilla filming, improvisational performances, and gritty realism have secured him a position at the forefront of India’s indie scene. Over the years, Kashyap has delivered thought-provoking films like Ugly, Mukkabaaz, and Raman Raghav 2.0, as well as co-creating the game-changing Netflix series Sacred Games.
In this trajectory, a No Smoking sequel would align with Kashyap’s commitment to boldly unconventional storytelling and introspective cinema. Abraham’s vocal advocacy might help tip the scales in favor of such a project.
Creative Courage Meets Cult Appeal
Ultimately, John Abraham’s persistent lobbying for a No Smoking sequel reflects both his personal passion and his belief in cinema that defies expectations. His reverence for Kashyap’s filmmaking and willingness to embrace risk, even after commercial discouragement, captures the spirit of creative courage.
Whether this sequel will move from idea to execution depends on many factors: script readiness, funding, Kashyap’s vision, and perhaps most importantly, whether they believe existing audiences are now primed for a second dip into the surreal.
But one thing is clear: the seeds of ambition have been planted. If given the green light, a No Smoking sequel has the potential to intrigue, provoke, and reinforce the timeless allure of offbeat, strangely profound cinema.
By – Sonali