No Smoking

A chain-smoking mechanic, K, lives a mundane life and is deeply unhappy in his marriage. He becomes entangled in a series of bizarre and increasingly dangerous events when he encounters a mysterious woman and gets involved with illegal activities. As his life spirals out of control, K struggles to distinguish reality from hallucination, facing paranoia and existential dread.

Anurag Kashyap's 'No Smoking' is a visually striking and thematically complex film that divided audiences and critics upon its release. Praised for its bold narrative, unconventional storytelling, and John Abraham's committed performance, it was also criticized for its confusing plot and dense symbolism, making it a polarizing but memorable cinematic experience.

• Praised for its unique visual style and ambitious narrative structure.

• John Abraham's performance as the increasingly desperate protagonist was a highlight.

• Criticized for its convoluted plot and deliberate ambiguity, which alienated some viewers.

Google audience: Audience reception was mixed, with many appreciating the film's artistic merit and experimental nature, while others found it overly complex and difficult to follow.

The film is inspired by and heavily references the song "Cauchemar" by the French artist Alain Bashung, and director Anurag Kashyap has stated that the entire film is a visual interpretation of the song's lyrics.