No Smoking(2007)
No Smoking is a 2007 Indian Hindi-language black comedy thriller film written and directed by Anurag Kashyap. It stars John Abraham, Ayesha Takia, Paresh Rawal, and Ranvir Shorey. The story follows K, a wealthy chain smoker who visits a rehabilitation center called Prayogshaala to quit smoking and save his marriage. The center's guru, Baba Bangali, uses fear and psychological manipulation to enforce abstinence. The film is an adaptation of Stephen King's short story 'Quitters, Inc.' and features themes of surveillance, authoritarianism, and freedom of expression. It premiered at the Rome Film Festival on 24 October 2007 and was released in India on 26 October 2007. The film received negative reviews and bombed at the box office, but has since gained a cult following.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Zee5, MX Player, Eros Now
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 2007
- Director
- Anurag Kashyap
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 1m
- Rating
- 6.6/10
Storyline
K is a rich, arrogant chain smoker who cannot stop lighting up. His wife leaves him because of his addiction. Desperate to win her back, K visits a strange rehab center run by Baba Bangali. Baba promises to cure him — but his methods are terrifying and the price is higher than K ever imagined.
“Quit smoking. Or lose everything.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for No Smoking
Cast reunions in this film: Anurag Kashyap & Rajeev Ravi (7 films together), Bipasha Basu & John Abraham (6 films together), Bipasha Basu & Paresh Rawal (5 films together), Paresh Rawal & John Abraham (5 films together), Vikramaditya & Anurag Kashyap (3 films together), and Vikramaditya & Rajeev Ravi (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film was inspired by Stephen King's short story 'Quitters, Inc.' but set in Mumbai.
- It was a major box office failure, earning less than 10% of its production budget.
- Anurag Kashyap has said the negative reception left him depressed and unable to work for a year.
- The surreal, nightmarish visuals were influenced by directors like David Lynch and David Fincher.
- Actor Ranvir Shorey performed many of his own stunts, including being set on fire for a scene.
- The film's soundtrack, composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, includes a song by the Pakistani band Junoon.
- It developed a strong cult following over the years despite its initial commercial failure.