No Smoking (2007 film): Difference between revisions

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| name          = No Smoking
| name          = No Smoking
| image          = No Smoking (Poster).jpg
| image          = No Smoking (Poster).jpg
| alt            = On the poster's center is a man's face with a circle beard wearing sunglasses while smoking. Surrounding the face are various faded scenes, including a soldier pointing his rifle at a man lying down the ground, a woman holding a mug, and a man chasing another man. Below the face is the title "No Smoking" in white uppercase text, stylized as a cigarette butt.
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director      = [[Anurag Kashyap]]
| director      = [[Anurag Kashyap]]
| producer      = Kumar Mangat Pathak <br />[[Vishal Bhardwaj]]
| producer      = Kumar Mangat Pathak<br/>[[Vishal Bhardwaj]]
| story          = Anurag Kashyap <br /> [[Raj Singh Chaudhary]]
| story          = Anurag Kashyap <br /> [[Raj Singh Chaudhary]]
| screenplay    = Anurag Kashyap
| writer        = Anurag Kashyap
| screenplay    =  
| based_on      = {{Based on|''[[Quitters, Inc.]]'' (1978)|[[Stephen King]]}}
| based_on      = {{Based on|''[[Quitters, Inc.]]'' (1978)|[[Stephen King]]}}
| starring      = [[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]] <br />[[Ayesha Takia]] <br />[[Paresh Rawal]]<br />[[Ranvir Shorey]]
| starring      = {{Plainlist|
| music          = Vishal Bhardwaj
*[[John Abraham]]
*[[Ayesha Takia]]
*[[Paresh Rawal]]
*[[Ranvir Shorey]]
}}
| music          = '''Songs:'''<br/>Vishal Bhardwaj<br/>'''Score:'''<br/>[[Hitesh Sonik]]<br/>[[Clinton Cerejo]]
| cinematography = [[Rajeev Ravi]]
| cinematography = [[Rajeev Ravi]]
| editing        = [[Aarti Bajaj]]
| editing        = [[Aarti Bajaj]]
| studio        = Big Screen Entertainment and Eros International
| studio        = [[Panorama Studios|Big Screen Entertainment]]<br/>Vishal Bhardwaj Films
| distributor    = [[Eros International]]
| distributor    = [[Eros International]]
| released      = {{Film date|2007|10|26|df=y}}
| released      = {{Film date|2007|10|24|[[Rome Film Festival]]|2007|10|26|India|df=y}}
| runtime        = 127 minutes
| runtime        = 127 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Hindi
| language      = Hindi
| budget        = {{INR|23 crore}}
| budget        = {{INR|7.50 crore}}
| gross          = {{INR|3 crore}}<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/bwmEEnWusJRuQ3K93FlOKN/Ten-Bollywood-directors-who-found-success-late.html |title=Here are 10 directors who didn't taste success in the first few attempts, but are at the top of the game today |last=Jha |first=Lata |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |date=27 October 2015 |access-date=5 May 2016}}</ref>
| gross          = {{INR|3.49 crore}}
}}
}}
'''''No Smoking''''' is a 2007 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[thriller film]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/no-smoking-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0znzyzmdy|title=No Smoking|website=[[British Board of Film Classification]]}}</ref> written and directed by [[Anurag Kashyap]] and co-produced by [[Vishal Bhardwaj]] and Kumar Mangat. The film stars [[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]], [[Ayesha Takia]], [[Ranvir Shorey]] and [[Paresh Rawal]] in the lead roles, while [[Bipasha Basu]] appears in an [[Item number]].<ref>{{cite news |title=No Smoking Cast & Crew |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/201583 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123103701/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/201583 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 January 2012 |work=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=9 August 2012}}</ref> The film is loosely based upon the 1978 short story "[[Quitters, Inc.]]" by [[Stephen King]], which was previously adapted as one of three segments featured in [[Cinema of United States|Hollywood]] [[anthology film]], ''[[Cat's Eye (1985 film)|Cat's Eye]]'' (1985). It became the second Indian film after ''[[Julie Ganapathi]]'' and first Hindi-language film to be [[Media based on Stephen King works|adapted from a Stephen King's work]].<ref name=ns1>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-the-inspiration-behind-anurag-kashyap-films/20120621.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=21 June 2012 |title=The Inspiration Behind Anurag Kashyap's Films}}</ref> The story follows K ([[John Abraham (actor)|Abraham]]), a self-obsessed, narcissist [[Chain smoking|chain smoker]] who agrees to [[Smoking cessation|kick his habit]] to save his marriage and visits a [[Drug rehabilitation|rehabilitation centre]], but is caught in a [[labyrinth]] game by Baba Bengali ([[Paresh Rawal|Rawal]]), the man who guarantees he will make him quit.<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2007/09/no_smoking_preview.shtml |publisher=[[BBC]] |author=Manish Gajjar |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=10 October 2007}}</ref><ref name=ns3>{{cite web |url=http://www.apunkachoice.com/titles/nos/no-smoking/mid_24772/preview/ |publisher=Apunkachoice |access-date=11 August 2012 |title=No Smoking preview}}</ref>
'''''No Smoking''''' is a 2007 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[black comedy]] [[thriller film]] written and directed by [[Anurag Kashyap]], and produced by [[Vishal Bhardwaj]]. The film stars [[John Abraham]], [[Ayesha Takia]], [[Paresh Rawal]] and [[Ranvir Shorey]]. The film follows K (Abraham), a self-obsessed, narcissist [[Chain smoking|chain smoker]] who agrees to quit smoking to save his marriage and visits a rehabilitation centre to assuage his wife (Takia) and friend (Shorey), only to be caught up in a [[labyrinthine]] plot by Baba Bangali (Rawal), the man who guarantees that he will make him quit by any means necessary.


The film released worldwide on 26 October 2007, but was met with a lukewarm response from Indian [[Film critic|critics]] and mixed response from overseas critics.<ref name=ns9>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/entertainment/Biased-criticism-doesn-t-help-Anurag-Kashyap/Article1-254812.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313015542/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/entertainment/Biased-criticism-doesn-t-help-Anurag-Kashyap/Article1-254812.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 March 2014 |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=16 August 2012 |date=30 October 2007 |title=Biased criticism doesn't help: Anurag Kashyap}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lashing from critics for 'No Smoking' hurt: Anurag Kashyap |url=http://news.oneindia.in/2008/01/06/lashing-from-critics-for-no-smoking-hurt-anurag-kashyap-1199601142.html |publisher=[[Oneindia.in]] |access-date=16 August 2012 |date=6 January 2008}}</ref> The film did not perform well at the [[box office]] either, with a box office gross of {{INRConvert|3|c}} against a production budget of {{INRConvert|23|c}} and was one of the major disasters of the year.<ref name=ns10>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-10/did-you-know-/28543177_1_anurag-kashyap-smoking-satya |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103104918/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-10/did-you-know-/28543177_1_anurag-kashyap-smoking-satya |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=9 August 2012 |date=10 February 2011 |title=Anurag Kashyap's 'No Smoking'}}</ref> According to Kashyap, the film failed because, it was considered much ahead of its time, courtesy of its dark and unusual storyline comprising with elements of [[Surrealist cinema|surrealism]], [[fantasy]], [[dream]], [[reality]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Anurag's Saif option |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-11-30/news-interviews/27972064 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103085408/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-11-30/news-interviews/27972064 |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|author=Sandipan Dalal |access-date=12 August 2012 |date=30 November 2007}}</ref> [[Horror film|horror]] and [[dark humour]] which left critics and the cinema-goers baffled, this was frowned upon by Indian audiences, as it was unconventional, pretentious and they had never seen anything like it.<ref name=ns2>{{cite web |url=http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/interviews/20080107-0.html |publisher=Apunkachoice |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=7 January 2008 |title=Critics failed to understand 'No Smoking': Anurag Kashyap}}</ref> But in later years, the film received positive reviews and has become a [[cult]] film.
Taking inspiration from [[Stephen King]]'s "[[Quitters, Inc.]]", Kashyap pitched the idea to Bhardwaj, who wanted to produce for him, and Abraham, who wanted to work with him, both of whom accepted, and the rest of the cast followed. Principal photography took place in [[Dharavi]], [[Mumbai]], Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Russia. Bhardwaj also composed the music, while the lyrics were written by [[Gulzar]]. The film's themes include freedom, privacy, surveillance, and politico-religious methods of autocratic figures to suppress people's rights.


''No Smoking'' was nominated at several award ceremonies in 2008, primarily for the technical aspects of the film, including three [[Filmfare award|Filmfare Award]] nominations. Before a full cinematic release in India, the film was invited to be screened at the [[Rome Film Festival]] where it won huge appreciation from the audience and critics alike.<ref name=ns9/><ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking in Rome |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/25john.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=14 August 2012 |date=25 October 2007}}</ref> In 2011, the film was played at several film festivals in [[India]] and [[China]], receiving unanimous applause and praise, as well as winning a number of awards.<ref name=ns8>{{cite news |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|author=Shree Misra |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=20 July 2011 |title=No Smoking wins awards at Indian Film Festival |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-20/news-interviews/29794341|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103110411/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-20/news-interviews/29794341|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013}}</ref>
''No Smoking'' premiered at the [[Rome Film Festival]] on 24 October 2007, before its general release on 26 October. The film received negative reviews and [[Box-office bomb|bombed at the box-office]], grossing {{INRConvert|3.49|c|year=2007}} against a budget of {{INRConvert|7.50|c|year=2007}}. It has since gained a [[cult following]]. Abraham has repeatedly expressed interest in a sequel.


==Plot==
==Plot==
The film begins with a man waking up in decrepit old house in an unknown area. He gets a call from his wife inquiring where he is. Unaware of his location, he searches the house for a cigarette. He accidentally opens a room and finds it filled with Russian soldiers. One of them starts chasing him and opens fire at him. He gets shot in the leg and jumps into a bathtub he finds in the snow.
K, a wealthy businessman in his 30s, is confident, narcissistic, arrogant, and completely addicted to smoking, so much so that he even smokes in the bath. K's friends, Abbas and the doctor, offer to set up an appointment at a rehabilitation centre called Prayogshaala ({{Literal translation|Laboratory}}), but K ignores their advice. His addiction puts severe strain on his relationship with his wife Anjali. After K cannot even make love to her without having to stop to light up a cigarette, she leaves him.
The man wakes up in a bathtub. He is revealed to be K, a wealthy businessman in his 30s. He is confident, narcissistic and very arrogant, and also completely addicted to smoking. He smokes almost constantly - at work, at home and even in the bath. K’s friends and family beg him to quit, and friend Abbas and his doctor, offer to set up an appointment at a rehabilitation centre called 'Prayogshaala' ('The Laboratory'), which they claim will surely rid K of his habit - but K ignores their advice. His addiction puts severe strain on his relationship with his wife Anjali. After K cannot even make love to her without having to stop to light up a cigarette, she leaves him.


Finally realising that he has a problem, K decides to check out Prayogshaala, and meets Shri Shri Prakash Guru Ghantal Baba Bengali Sealdahwale . The centre operates behind the front of another business, 'Kalkatta Karpets'. K finds the building to be unconventional and confusing, similar to a [[Labyrinth]]. The method Prayogshaala uses to cure their patients of their addiction is based on fear and psychological manipulation. Each time a patient gives in to their vice, Baba makes sure that something shocking happens to them.
K realises his problem and decides to check out Prayogshaala, and meets Shri Shri Prakash Guru Ghantal Baba Bangali Sealdah Wale, who runs it. The method Prayogshaala uses to cure their patients of their addiction is based on fear and psychological manipulation. Each time a patient gives in to their vice, Baba makes sure that something shocking happens to them, which includes:


# Almost killing a loved one, by keeping him / her in a chamber full of cigarette smoke the person has smoked in his entire life, for a duration of 5 minutes.
# Almost killing one of his loved ones, by keeping them in a chamber full of cigarette smoke he has smoked in his entire life for five{{Spaces}}minutes,
# Losing a finger.
# Losing his finger,
# Death of a loved one.
# Killing one of his loved ones,
# Taking the soul of the person from his body, although this offense is described very loosely.
# Taking his soul.


K initially refuses to sign the contract and pay the fee of {{INR}}21,11,110 for his treatment but is forced to do so by Baba and his disciples. Baba then tells K that he is free to leave, but he must abide by the rules or he will suffer the consequences. K witnesses other members of the group as they try to quit smoking. Many end up losing fingers as they cannot resist the urge to smoke. K tries to keep to the terms but fails twice and is punished. He is now very conscious about the third time.
K is forced to pay the fee of {{INR}}21,11,110 for his treatment by Baba and his disciples. Baba then tells K that he is free to leave, but he must abide by the rules or he will suffer the consequences. K tries to keep to the terms but fails twice, and is punished. He is now conscious about the third time.


After some time, K meets an old friend, Alex, who is now a Cuban cigar seller. At an event, K is forced to place a cigar in his mouth, in order to appease his friend. Seconds later, he receives a phone call from the police, who inform him that his wife is missing and possibly dead. He calls Baba and is told that for smoking, his wife will be killed, as per the rules. He protests that he did not actually smoke and Baba apologizes for the mistake, but says it is too late. K asks Baba to tell the police about this, but the line goes dead and the phone number is non-existent on dialling. K's protests are ignored and the police believe that he is delusional. Trying to prove his story, he seeks out Abbas, who had lost a finger at the rehabilitation centre, only to find that the man has all fingers intact. Mocking him, the police force K to smoke. Shortly afterwards, K gets a phone call that his brother committed suicide due to his smoking habit. K raves angrily at the police and is thrown in the jail.
After some time, K meets an old friend, Alex, who is now a Cuban cigar seller. At an event, K is forced to place a cigar in his mouth to appease Alex. Seconds later, he receives a phone call from the police, informing him that his wife is missing. He calls Baba, and is told that for smoking, his wife will be killed, as per the rules. He protests that he did not actually smoke and Baba apologizes for the mistake, but says that it is too late. K asks Baba to tell the police about this, but the line dies out, and the phone number is non-existent on dialling. K's protests are ignored and the police believe that he is delusional. Trying to make them believe, he seeks out Abbas, who had lost a finger, only to find that he has all of his fingers intact. Mocking him, the police force K to smoke. Shortly afterwards, K gets a phone call about his brother committing suicide due to his smoking. K raves angrily at the police and is thrown in jail, but is eventually bailed out.


K is eventually bailed out. Soon, he learns that Baba permits sins and vices to be done during a period known as 'Zero Minute'. He attends an event, where he sees Baba, but is unable to reach him. K decides to light a cigarette. Suddenly, K wakes up in a Russian army base, with a call from his wife. She asks him why he believes she is dead. K is confused, but escapes from the base by jumping into water and ends up in a ragged room, from which he sees himself staring out from a hospital room. He also sees his wife and Baba. He calls out but no one can hear him, and he is told that it is because his body no longer hears his inner soul. The final punishment is complete.
K learns that Baba permits smoking during a period known as 'Zero Minute'. He attends such an event, where he lights up a cigarette. Suddenly, K wakes up in a Russian army base with a call from his wife, she asks him why he believes she is dead. Confused, K escapes from the base by jumping into the water and ends up in a ragged room, from which he sees himself staring out from a hospital room. He also sees his wife and Baba. He calls out but no one can hear him, and he is told that it is because his body no longer hears his inner soul. The final punishment is complete.


In a series of haphazard events, the twisted path of K's soul is shown, until it finally reaches his body once again. K wakes up in his home to find his wife sleeping near him. He also discovers that he is missing two fingers. Later, K is seen recommending the "Prayogshala" centre to a friend.
K wakes up in his home, his wife sleeping beside him. He finds out that he is missing two fingers. In a [[mid-credits scene]], K, who has since gotten his finger back, is seen recommending Prayogshaala to a friend.


==Cast==
==Cast==
* [[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]] as K, a [[Ego (spirituality)|self-obsessed]], [[wikt:smart aleck|smart aleck]], [[narcissist]], chain smoker who agrees to [[quit smoking]] for his wife, but is caught up in the game of Baba Bengali in the process, after he refuses to co-operate.<ref name=ns3/><ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking film gallery |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/content/image_galleries/no_smoking_gallery.shtml?1 |publisher=[[BBC Films]] |access-date=11 August 2012 |date=October 2007}}</ref>
{{Multiple image
* [[Ayesha Takia]] as Anjali / Annie, the wife of K, who is fed up of his habit and forcefully tries to make him quit by threatening to leave him.<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking film gallery |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/content/image_galleries/no_smoking_gallery.shtml?2 |publisher=[[BBC Films]] |access-date=11 August 2012 |date=October 2007}}</ref> Annie is the secretary of K, who seems to have a crush on him and looks exactly the same as Anjali. Throughout the movie, it is implied she happens to be both Annie and Anjali as K liked spreading rumors in the office about their affairs.
| perrow            = 3
* [[Paresh Rawal]] as [[Shri]] Shri Prakash Guru Ghantal Baba Bengali Sealdahwale, the film's main [[antagonist]], who is extremely mysterious, yet very clever and powerful. He forcefully makes people quit smoking, otherwise bad things keep on happening in their lives. He knows at all times if someone is breaking his agreement, even if they are in another country, or [[no man's land]].<ref name=ns3/>
| total_width      = 300
* [[Ranvir Shorey]] as Abbas Tyerwalla, the friend of K, who was also the one to introduce him to smoking. He recommends the Prayogshala (Laboratory) to K, as he himself had to learn to quit smoking from Baba Bengali.<ref name=ns3/>
| image1            = John_Abraham_2006.jpg
* [[Kiku Sharda]] as the doctor and another friend of K, who learnt to quit smoking from Baba Bengali.
| width1            = 720
* Joy Fernandes as Alex
| height1          = 840
* [[Rasika Dugal]] in a [[Character actor|character role]]
| image2            = Ayesha_Takia_Aug-8th-2006.jpg
* [[Anurag Kashyap]] as man in the elevator (uncredited)
| width2            = 720
* [[Vikramaditya Motwane]] as an employee in K's office
| height2          = 840
* [[Gajraj Rao (actor)|Gajraj Rao]] as drunk man outside the restaurant.
| footer            = John Abaraham (left) and Ayesha Takia (right)
* [[Jesse Randhawa]] in a [[item number|special appearance]] as a dancer in the song "''Jab Bhi Cigarette''"
| image3            =
* [[Bipasha Basu]] in an [[Item number]] "''Phook De''" (during the [[closing credits]])
}}
===Main cast===
* [[John Abraham]] as K
* [[Ayesha Takia]] as  
**Anjali, K's wife
**Annie, K's secretary
* [[Paresh Rawal]] as [[Shri]] Shri Prakash Guru Ghantal Baba Bangali Sealdah Wale
* [[Ranvir Shorey]] as Abbas Tyrewala, a friend of K
===Other characters===
* [[Kiku Sharda]] as the doctor, a friend of K
* [[Jesse Randhawa]] as the dancer in the song "Jab Bhi"
* [[Gajraj Rao]] as R. K. Dhindra
* [[Rasika Dugal]] as Suzi (credited as Rasika Duggal)
* [[Priyanka Bose]] as Sarah
* [[Shlok Sharma]] as an office employee
* [[Vikramaditya Motwane]] as the employee who resigns (credited as Vikram Aditya Motwane)
* [[Bipasha Basu]] as the dancer in the song "Phoonk De"
* [[Anurag Kashyap]] as the man in the elevator (uncredited)<ref name=ns5/>


==Production==
==Production==
===Development===
===Development===
The idea for the film came during the making of ''[[Satya (1998 film)|Satya]]'' (1998), when director [[Ram Gopal Varma]] pitched a story about a chain smoker's encounter with someone who despises smoking. Varma later incorporated his own idea of the story as a short segment in his anthology film, ''[[Darna Mana Hai]]'' (2003). During the shooting of Kashyap's ''[[Black Friday (2007 film)|Black Friday]]'', his assistant narrated him a different script about a chain smoker who wakes up without cigarettes and is unable to get any because of a curfew.<ref name=ns10/> Kashyap decided to take the story forward, taking inspiration from ''Quitters, Inc.'' and a surreal moment from ''Cats Eye'', subsequently making him develop the story into a darker and more unreal version.
The idea for the film came during the making of ''[[Satya (1998 film)|Satya]]'' (1998), when director [[Ram Gopal Varma]] pitched a story to [[Anurag Kashyap]], the film's writer, about a chain smoker's encounter with someone who despises smoking. Varma later incorporated his own idea of the story as a short segment in his anthology film, ''[[Darna Mana Hai]]'' (2003). During the shooting of Kashyap's ''[[Black Friday (2007 film)|Black Friday]]'' (2007), his assistant narrated him a different script about a chain smoker who wakes up without cigarettes and is unable to get any because of a curfew.<ref>{{cite news |date=10 February 2011 |title=Anurag Kashyap's 'No Smoking' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/did-you-know/anurag-kashyaps-no-smoking/articleshow/7466647.cms |url-status=live |access-date=9 August 2012 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260306060247/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/did-you-know/anurag-kashyaps-no-smoking/articleshow/7466647.cms|archive-date=6 March 2026}}</ref> Taking inspiration from [[Stephen King]]'s "[[Quitters, Inc.]]" (1978), Kashyap decided to take the story forward.<ref name=ns5>{{cite web |date=30 October 2007 |title=The director's guide to No Smoking |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/30anurag.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251123180525/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/30anurag.htm |archive-date=23 November 2025 |access-date=2 March 2026 |work=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=21 June 2012 |title=The Inspiration Behind Anurag Kashyap's Films |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-the-inspiration-behind-anurag-kashyap-films/20120621.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260130232212/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-the-inspiration-behind-anurag-kashyap-films/20120621.htm |archive-date=30 January 2026 |access-date=9 August 2012 |work=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> The film had a personal significance for him as his first two directorial efforts ''[[Paanch]]'' (2003) and ''Black Friday'' went unreleased and people were telling him to "quit."<ref name=ns19/> When asked if ''[[Cat's Eye (1985 film)|Cat's Eye]]'' (1985), an American anthology horror film that adapted "Quitters, Inc." as one of its segments, was an inspiration, he replied that he hadn't watched it until after the script was complete.<ref name=ns5/> Remarking that the film has a universal subject, Kashyap further said that since none of his films were released up until that point, he shot the movie in "a lot of anger," and that he was "defying the system" by making the film.<ref>{{cite web |author=Aseem Chhabra |date=5 September 2011 |title=Anurag Kashyap: I loved No Smoking the most |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-part-two-interview-of-anurag-kashyap/20110905.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251108202755/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-part-two-interview-of-anurag-kashyap/20110905.htm |archive-date=8 November 2025 |access-date=24 August 2012 |work=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> The film is an Indian production<ref name=ns26/><ref name=ns29/> and was distributed by [[Eros International]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Gajjar |first=Manish |date=10 October 2007 |title=No Smoking |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2007/09/no_smoking_preview.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108190613/https://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2007/09/no_smoking_preview.shtml |archive-date=8 January 2026 |access-date=9 August 2012 |publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref>
===Pre-production===
[[File:Saif at Omkara press conference.jpg|thumb|Saif Ali Khan was erroneously reported to be in the film.<ref name=ns22/>|258x258px]]
Kashyap approached actors through [[SMS|short messaging service]];<ref name=ns1>{{cite web |author=N |first=Patcy |date=24 October 2007 |title=Our cinema is immature |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/24anurag.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251123180524/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/24anurag.htm |archive-date=23 November 2025 |access-date=14 August 2012 |work=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> [[John Abraham]] replied back, because [[Deepa Mehta]], the director of his [[Oscar-nominated]] [[Water (2005 film)|''Water'']] (2005), for which Kashyap penned the dialogues, told him that he must work with Kashyap.<ref name=ns19/><ref name=ns12/> Thinking that Abraham would not be able to understand the idea, and afraid of throwing away the chance, he narrated him an idea which he came up on his way to Abraham's residence, titled ''Lapata'' ({{Literal translation|Lost}}), after which Abraham told him that he expected something more intelligent from Kashyap. Thrilled, Kashyap told him about ''No Smoking'', which the actor ended up loving. ''Lapata'' later formed the basis for Kashyap's ''[[Ugly (film)|Ugly]]'' (2013). Kashyap claimed that Abraham was trying to rediscover himself; this propelled him to accept the film, alongside ''[[Kabul Express]]'' (2006), ''[[Taxi No. 9211]]'' (2006), ''[[Goal (2007 Hindi film)|Goal]]'' (2007), ''[[Aashayein]]'' (2010) and ''Water''.<ref name=ns19/><ref name=ns1/> Abraham provided Kashyap financial assistance and told him to finalize the script, which he did when he flew to the US. After directing ''[[Omkara (2006 film)|Omkara]]'' (2006), [[Vishal Bhardwaj]] approached Kashyap when he came back to India, wanting to make a film with him. Kashyap told him about ''No Smoking'', and Bhardwaj agreed to work with him.<ref name=ns19>{{Cite web |last=Mazumdar |first=Shreyanka |date=29 June 2024 |title=Anurag Kashyap On Offering No Smoking To John Abraham: 'Usko Sab Log Achha Actor Nahi Bolte The...' |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/anurag-kashyap-on-offering-no-smoking-to-john-abraham-usko-sab-log-achha-actor-nahi-bolte-the-8948857.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251102141211/https://www.news18.com/movies/anurag-kashyap-on-offering-no-smoking-to-john-abraham-usko-sab-log-achha-actor-nahi-bolte-the-8948857.html |archive-date=2 November 2025 |access-date=19 January 2026 |website=[[News18]]}}</ref> Reportedly, [[Shah Rukh Khan]] was also in talks to star.<ref name=ns24>{{Cite news |last=Gajjar |first=Saloni |date=30 October 2025 |title=Bollywood's first Stephen King adaptation was so trippy it became its last |url=https://www.avclub.com/no-smoking-bollywood-stephen-king-adaptation-quitters-inc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109003627/https://www.avclub.com/no-smoking-bollywood-stephen-king-adaptation-quitters-inc |archive-date=9 November 2025 |access-date=13 February 2026 |work=[[The A. V. Club]]}}</ref>
 
For the dual role of Anjali and Annie, "one a self-respecting woman, another opposite", Kashyap went to actresses he thought could do the role, but they refused as the role was not substantial enough.<ref name=ns5/><ref name=ns1/> Ultimately, [[Ayesha Takia]] was cast. She was not comfortable with the lovemaking scenes and the outfits of her character Annie, though Kashyap refused to make any changes. Despite this, he maintained that she was an "actress" and a "face" too.<ref name=ns1/>
 
Originally, [[Rajkumar Santoshi]] was to play the doctor, and [[Abbas Tyrewala]] was to play Abbas, that is why Kashyap named the character after him. However, Tyrewala later opted out and the role was given to [[Ranvir Shorey]] instead.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rajkumar Santoshi to act in No Smoking |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1174279 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070403/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1174279 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 March 2016 |publisher=[[India Fm]] |date=31 October 2006 |access-date=24 August 2012}}</ref> Furthermore, erroneous reports surfaced that [[Saif Ali Khan]] would appear in a cameo, on the request of co-producer Kumar Mangat Pathak, who worked with him in ''Omkara''.<ref name=ns22>{{cite news |date=21 July 2007 |title=Saif and Bipasha: No butts please |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Saif-and-Bipasha-No-butts-please/articleshow/2221826.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228160920/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Saif-and-Bipasha-No-butts-please/articleshow/2221826.cms |archive-date=28 December 2024 |access-date=11 August 2012 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> It was also reported that [[Bipasha Basu]] would appear in an [[item number]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=One more smoking number from Bips |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/audio-news-video/AV-Entertainment/One-more-smoking-number-from-Bips/Article2-240373.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315000148/http://www.hindustantimes.com/audio-news-video/AV-Entertainment/One-more-smoking-number-from-Bips/Article2-240373.aspx |archive-date=15 March 2014 |access-date=17 January 2026 |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> When asked what made Kashyap appear in the film, he replied, "only vanity."<ref name=ns5/>
 
Kashyap cast well-known actors in the hope of having the film released; he thought that casting "unknown but brilliant" actors had made his prior films unreleased.<ref name=ns5/> [[Abhishek Pathak]], Kumar Mangat Pathak's son, served as the first [[assistant director]] of the film.<ref name=ns4/>
===Filming===
[[File:Dharavi_India.jpg|thumb|Principal photography took place in Dharavi, a slum in Mumbai, India.<ref name=ns8/>]]
Principal photography took place in [[Dharavi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[Kazakhstan]] and [[Russia]].<ref name=ns8/><ref name=ns11/> During the shooting in Uzbekistan, a Russian actor dressed as a soldier had to chase Abraham. After running {{Convert|200|m|ft|sp=us|sigfig=}}, the man collapsed from oxygen depletion and had to be rushed to a hospital, as the shooting was on a high altitude.<ref>{{cite web |author=N |first=Patcy |date=23 October 2007 |title=I am doing films that are more meaningful |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/23slid4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407151511/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/23slid4.htm |archive-date=7 April 2023 |access-date=24 August 2012 |work=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> There was a rumor of Abraham appearing in a nude scene, but Kashyap clarified that he had not decided how to shoot it.<ref name=ns3>{{cite web |date=19 October 2006 |title=John Abraham to do a nude scene for No Smoking |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1179640/John-Abraham-to-do-a-nude-scene-for-No-Smoking |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092007/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1179640/John-Abraham-to-do-a-nude-scene-for-No-Smoking |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=14 August 2012 |work=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref>
 
==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
| name        = No Smoking
| type        = [[Album]]
| artist      = [[Vishal Bhardwaj]]
| cover        =
| alt          =
| released    = {{start date|df=yes|2007|09|05}} (India)
| recorded    =
| venue        =
| studio      =
| genre        = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length      =
| label        = [[Eros Labs|Eros Music]]
| producer    = Kumar Mangat Pathak, Vishal Bhardwaj
| prev_title  = [[Omkara (2006 film)|Omkara]]
| prev_year    = 2006
| next_title  = [[U, Me Aur Hum]]
| next_year    = 2008
}}
 
The official soundtrack was composed by [[Vishal Bhardwaj]], who also co-produced the film, while the lyrics were written by [[Gulzar]].<ref name=ns3/>
 
===Track listing===
{{Track listing
| extra_column  = Singer(s)
| all_writing  = [[Gulzar]]
| title1        = Kash Laga
| length1      = 5:47
| extra1        = [[Daler Mehndi]], [[Sukhwinder Singh]], [[Vishal Bhardwaj]]
| title2        = Phoonk De
| length2      = 5:55
| extra2        = Sukhwinder Singh
| title3        = Ash Tray
| length3      = 4:39
| extra3        = Deva Sengupta
| title4        = Jab Bhi
| note4        = Trance
| length4      = 5:06
| extra4        = [[Sunidhi Chauhan]]
| title5        = Phoonk De
| note5        = Club Mix
| length5      = 5:15
| extra5        = [[Rekha Bhardwaj]]
| title6        = Jab Bhi
| note6        = Jazz
| length6      = 5:03
| extra6        = [[Adnan Sami]]
}}
 
===Reception===
Finding the soundtrack to be "unconventional, and exciting in a couple of places," [[Bollywood Hungama]]'s Joginder Tuteja praised the renditions of Sami and Rekha Bhardwaj, but argued that "Kash Laga" is "fine if one strictly keeps in mind its situational appeal."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tuteja |first=Joginder |date=8 October 2007 |title=No Smoking |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/no-smoking/songs/music-critic-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260302080743/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/no-smoking/songs/music-critic-review/ |archive-date=2 March 2026 |access-date=16 January 2026 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref>


===Casting===
==Themes==
After the scripting was complete in 2006, Kashyap narrated the film to [[Shah Rukh Khan]], who was keen to do the film but later would back out for unknown reasons. When the deal fell through Kashyap who was in bad shape at the time, as one of his films were delayed and the other stuck in production, he tried to get a hold of all the top actors, though none of them responded except for Abraham.<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking passes from Shahrukh to John |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/gupshup/2007/no-smoking-shahrukh-john-abraham-041007.html |publisher=[[Oneindia.in]] |author=Taran Adarsh |author-link=Taran Adarsh |access-date=11 August 2012 |date=4 October 2007}}</ref> [[Vishal Bhardwaj]], Kashyap's friend and producer of the film recommended [[Saif Ali Khan]], as he was part of the smoking segment in ''Darna Mana Hai'', though Kashyap had already finalised Abraham. Later false reports surfaced that Saif will be appearing in a [[Cameo appearance|cameo]], on the request of co-producer Kumar Mangat, who worked together in ''[[Omkara (2006 film)|Omkara]]'' (2006).<ref>{{cite news |title=Saif and Bipasha: No butts please |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-07-21/news-interviews/27990194_1_saif-ali-khan-bipasha-basu-saif-and-bipasha |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103065505/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-07-21/news-interviews/27990194_1_saif-ali-khan-bipasha-basu-saif-and-bipasha |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=11 August 2012 |date=21 July 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Saif Ali Khan is not doing 'No Smoking' |url=http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20070726-2.html |publisher=Apunkachoice |access-date=11 August 2012 |date=26 July 2007}}</ref>
[[File:Malcolm_McDowell_Clockwork_Orange.png|alt=|thumb|K's predicament was compared to [[Alex DeLarge]], the protagonist in ''A Clockwork Orange.''<ref name=ns8/>]]


Due to the film having a complex storyline, when Kashyap was auditioning Abraham, he read him a badly written fake script titled ''Lapata'' (Lost), which Abraham declined to. After which he read him the real script of ''No Smoking'', he immediately agreed to do it.<ref>{{cite web |title='No Smoking will create a genre |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/23slid4.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |author=Patcy N |date=23 October 2007 |access-date=24 August 2012}}</ref> Initially Takia was not comfortable with the love making scenes and the clothes of the secretary (Annie), though Kashyap refused to make any changes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our cinema is immature |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/24anurag.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |author=Patcy N |access-date=14 August 2012 |date=24 October 2007}}</ref> There is also a scene where Abraham is seen nude from rear, this stirred up some controversy.<ref>{{cite news |title=John Abraham to do a nude scene for No Smoking |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1179640/John-Abraham-to-do-a-nude-scene-for-No-Smoking |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092007/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1179640/John-Abraham-to-do-a-nude-scene-for-No-Smoking |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 March 2016 |work=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=14 August 2012 |date=19 October 2006}}</ref> Abraham who had previously quit smoking, smoked up to 90 cigarettes a day during the shooting to give the film a more believable look. Later when the film was complete, Abraham went for an X-ray and found his lungs were heavily damaged.<ref>{{cite web |title=Smoking turns John Abraham's lungs black |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/features/2007/john-lungs-turns-black-191007.html |publisher=[[Oneindia.in]] |author=Upala KBR |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=19 October 2007}}</ref>
On the significance of fingers, [[Anurag Kashyap]] said that fingers could also be used to hold a pen, which symbolises writing that is freedom of expression; and that K without his fingers represented his body without soul.<ref name=ns5/> Kashyap has said that chopping two fingers symbolises ''[[Paanch]]'' and ''[[Black Friday (2004 film)|Black Friday]]'', his first two directorial efforts, that were refused release by the [[Central Board of Film Certification|CBFC]], India's statutory film certification body.<ref name=ns24/><ref name=ns23/> ''[[FilmCompanion]]''<nowiki/>'s Prejo interpreted the film to be the "director's depiction of this authoritarian regime where even cinema, as an artistic form of expression, is suppressed and restrained."<ref name=ns23/> Similarly, ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]''<nowiki/>'s Gautaman Bhaskaran stated, "Kashyap must have realized that open confrontation with the authorities does not quite pay, so he plays around with words and actions."<ref name=ns12/> ''[[The A.V. Club]]''<nowiki/>'s Saloni Gajjar interpretated the film as a "journey through hell and back, one in which Kashyap has to fight against a system that controls his output and tries to define what the general public should and shouldn’t consume."<ref name=ns24/> However, film director [[Raja Sen]] doubted the claims that K stood for Kashyap, arguing instead that "K is a character with no redeeming qualities whatsoever," so that must not be the director's intention.<ref name=ns2>{{cite web |author=Sen |first=Raja |date=15 November 2007 |title=Why Anurag Kashyap is like Bhansali |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/nov/15rs.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407153012/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/nov/15rs.htm |archive-date=7 April 2023 |access-date=16 August 2012 |work=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref>


Originally director [[Rajkumar Santoshi]] was set to make his acting debut by playing the role of the doctor, and writer [[Abbas Tyrewala]] was to play the role later given to Shorey, hence Kashyap named the character after the writer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rajkumar Santoshi to act in No Smoking |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1174279 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070403/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1174279 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 March 2016 |publisher=[[India Fm]] |date=31 October 2006 |access-date=24 August 2012}}</ref>
''FilmCompanion''<nowiki/>'s Zoeb Matin compared Baba Bangali's "pompously philosophic" figure to despots who use false spiritualism as means for their "nefarious end".<ref name=ns8/> ''[[The Guardian]]''<nowiki/>'s Phelim O'Neill called him "[[Adolf Hitler|Hitler]]-loving,"<ref name=ns15>{{cite news |author=O'Neill |first=Phelim |date=26 October 2007 |title=No Smoking |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/oct/26/bollywood.horror |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215225815/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/oct/26/bollywood.horror |archive-date=15 February 2026 |access-date=10 August 2012 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> Prejo called him a friend of Hitler's,<ref name=ns23/> and ''[[The Times]]''<nowiki/>'s Anil Sinanan called him "a proud Hitler fan," noting the climactic gas chamber sequence.<ref name=ns20>{{Cite news |last=Sinanan |first=Anil |date=5 November 2007 |title=No Smoking |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/no-smoking-7kw2hx5wpcb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171127025418/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/no-smoking-7kw2hx5wpcb |archive-date=27 November 2017 |access-date=27 January 2026 |work=[[The Times]]}}</ref> ''The Guardian''<nowiki/>'s [[Philip French]] pointed out that his means of coercion include constant surveillance and loss of privacy.<ref name=ns7>{{cite news |last=French |first=Philip |date=28 October 2007 |title=No Smoking |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/oct/28/bollywood.musical |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250810163048/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/oct/28/bollywood.musical |archive-date=10 August 2025 |access-date=15 January 2026 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Bhaskaran noted further that, "in using politico-religious methods, including curbing the freedom of his female employees by making them wear veils, the character reflects the state of autocracy and fanaticism, driven by money, politics and religion, which prevails in Indian society," and how the film is ultimately about manipulating the human being as K loathes the idea of giving up his right.<ref name=ns12>{{Cite magazine |last=Bhaskaran |first=Gautaman |date=4 November 2007 |title=No Smoking |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/no-smoking-158369/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201162024/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/no-smoking-158369/ |archive-date=1 February 2023 |access-date=17 January 2026 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Prejo posited that the film metaphorically depicts an authoritarian regime where the privilege of "free will and freedom of expression" may be granted only to "further the regime's cause."<ref name=ns23/>


===Filming===
Prejo interpreted the film as a "journey through the complicated mind and psychology of a smoking addict who intends to kick the habit, a depiction of the travails of a chain smoker who finds it difficult to quit and the mental toll this process has on him."<ref name=ns23/> Gajjar wrote that "K represents people afflicted with serious addictions who struggle to escape their patterns." And when K does seek a change, "he descends into a hell of sorts where he was emotionally, mentally, and physically manipulated into giving up smoking, at the cost of his sanity."<ref name=ns24/>
Most of the filming was done in unique ways. In one scene where Abraham and Shorey are seen as teenagers smoking [[Marijuana]], most directors would have used child actors but Kashyap decided instead to alter the appearance of the actors and make them improvise and behave as kids themselves.<ref>{{cite web |title='No Smoking' defies convention |url=http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20071025-4.html |publisher=Apunkachoice |author=Nikhil Kumar |access-date=16 August 2012 |date=23 September 2007}}</ref>


The film was also shot in parts of the [[Russian Federation]], [[Kazakhstan]], [[Uzbekistan]] and [[Siberia]], in extremely cold climates with temperatures of minus 25 [[Celsius|degrees Celsius]] (°C), despite this none of the crew members had any problems during the shooting.<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking to be shot in Russia |url=http://businessofcinema.com/bollywood-news/ino-smokingi-to-be-shot-in-russia/ |publisher=Businessofcinema |author=Johnny Vaz |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=12 January 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=John Abraham shoots in chilly climate |url=http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20070122-2.html |publisher=Apunkachoice |access-date=14 August 2012 |date=22 January 2007}}</ref> During the shooting in Uzbekistan, a Russian actor dressed as a soldier had to chase Abraham. After running 200 meters the man collapsed, as the shooting was on high altitudes, there was a lack of oxygen. He had to be rushed to the hospital, as he had stopped breathing.<ref>{{cite web |title=I am doing films that are more meaningful |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/23slid4.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |author=Patcy N |date=23 October 2007 |access-date=24 August 2012}}</ref>
Prejo pointed out "infinitely large repository of VHS tapes, which had recorded each and every incident and happenings in the lives of the patients of Prayogshala."<ref name=ns23/> Interpreting the film as a critique of surveillance state, Gajjar noted how, "Baba Bengali constantly has eyes on K, no matter how many flights he takes or remote places he goes to, even in the privacy of his own home," and that "viewed in the present day, there’s a degree of relatability to being observed at all times, and to being addicted to the very tools and services observing you."<ref name=ns24/>


==Reception==
Prejo noted the uncertainties of the events, whether they were real or in K's "convoluted psyche," pointing out K's repeated emergings from a bathtub, which could be his returning "to the real world" or "into his own mind."<ref name=ns23/> Gajjar interpreted K waking up in the solitary cabin as showing imprisonment of "K, or rather, his soul," and that his predicament "highlights his distorted state of mind after being psychologically tortured for so long."<ref name=ns24/>
===Critical reception===
====India====
The film was heavily panned by Indian critics. ''[[Sify]]'' gave it 2 out of 5 stars saying "You try so hard to understand what ''No Smoking'' tries to say, but the film is like one big puzzle that refuses to get solved. John makes a sincere attempt to leave a mark and succeeds to an extent. Really, one wonders, what prompted John to instantly approve this bizarre story".<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/no-smoking-review-bollywood-14549765.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422174903/http://www.sify.com/movies/no-smoking-review-bollywood-14549765.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 April 2014 |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=27 October 2007}}</ref> [[Rajeev Masand]] of ''[[IBN Live]]'' giving it 1.5/5 said "What the director gives us is an extremely arrogant piece of work that reeks of over-confidence and self-proclaimed genius. How else do you explain the intentionally incohesive screenplay, the bizarre dialogue, and the blatant disregard for the viewer's time and patience?".<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking Review |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/review-no-smoking-is-a-colossal-disappointment/51232-8.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129223058/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/review-no-smoking-is-a-colossal-disappointment/51232-8.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 January 2009 |publisher=[[IBN Live]] |author=Rajeev Masand |author-link=Rajeev Masand |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=27 October 2007}}</ref> [[Nikhat Kazmi]] of ''[[Times of India]]'' also gave it 1.5/5 stars and said "''No Smoking'' leaves you completely baffled and desperately looking for logic in its surreal sequences of John in a jaded jail, John in a tunnel, John in a bathtub, John in Siberia-like surroundings".<ref>{{cite news |title=No Smoking |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/No-Smoking/movie-review/2493801.cms |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|author=Nikhat Kazmi|author-link=Nikhat Kazmi|access-date=10 August 2012}}</ref> Indu Mirani from ''[[DNA India]]'' rated it 1.5/5 saying "There is a fine line between intelligence and indulgence and with ''No Smoking'', director Anurag Kashyap crosses it often. It’s not like he has made a rank bad film, but 'No Smoking' is so influenced by graphic novels and Neil Gaiman books, that understanding its plot's many forward and backward movements would be out of the scope of the layman".<ref>{{cite news |title=No smoking |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mobile/report.php?n=1130068 |newspaper=[[DNA India]] |author=Indu Mirani |date=26 October 2007 |access-date=24 August 2012}}</ref> [[Khalid Mohamed]] of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' rated it 1 star and said "Too in-depth man, too in-depth, puffing, driving, the sex act, fingers being chopped. Kcuf, kcuf. What’s happening out here? You can’t make out, you don’t care, and you’re fed up of the affectations, the self-indulgence."<ref>{{cite news |title=Review: No Smoking |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Review-No-Smoking/Article1-254292.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116044606/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Review-No-Smoking/Article1-254292.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 November 2011 |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |author=Khalid Mohamed |author-link=Khalid Mohamed |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=26 October 2007}}</ref> [[Taran Adarsh]] from ''[[Bollywood Hungama]]'' giving it 1 out of 5 said "You try so hard to understand what ''No Smoking'' tries to say, but the film is like one big puzzle that refuses to get solved. What ails ''No Smoking'', did you ask. Simple, it's the most complicated cinematic experience of 2007. On the whole, ''No Smoking'' fails miserably. Very disappointing!".<ref>{{cite news |title=No Smoking |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201583 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407100346/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201583 |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 April 2014 |work=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |author=Taran Adarsh |author-link=Taran Adarsh |access-date=23 August 2012 |date=26 October 2007}}</ref> Prithviraj Hegde of ''[[Rediff.com]]'' gave the film 0 stars and said "The movie unfolds like a bad dream and spins into a downward spiral that's unreal, incomprehensible and leaves you dazed. And as you may have gathered, I still have no clue what the movie was about."<ref>{{cite web |title=No smoking |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/26smoke.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |author=Prithviraj Hegde |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=26 October 2007}}</ref> On the contrary, [[Chandril Bhattacharya]] of [[Anandabazar Patrika]] praised the movie uninhibitedly and described the film as first of its kind in India and historical.<ref>{{cite web |title=Collar tola chhobi |url=http://archives.anandabazar.com/archive/1071110/11rabimag.htm |publisher=[[Anandabazar Patrika]] |author=chandril bhattacharya |access-date=23 August 2012 |date=11 November 2007}}</ref> Aesthetically and culturally significant, it is extremely unfortunate No Smoking was not sent as India’s official selection at the Oscars for Best Foreign Language film. Instead, in 2012 ''No Smoking'' was voted no. 2 on the list of: "The Ten Worst Films of John Abraham" by ''[[Rediff.com]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Ten Worst Films of John Abraham |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-9-the-ten-worst-films-of-john-abraham/20120410.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |author=Sukanya Verma |date=10 April 2012 |access-date=24 August 2012}}</ref>


====Overseas====
Kashyap has stated that ''No Smoking'' is the story of "arrogance versus super arrogance, freedom to choose versus censorship; and that in the end freedom loses."<ref name=ns5/> ''[[Time Out Mumbai]]'''s Girish Shahane compared the film favorably to [[Stanley Kubrick]]'s ''[[A Clockwork Orange (film)|A Clockwork Orange]]'' and argued that both films show that "the cure is worse than the disease if it robs you of your soul."<ref name=ns8>{{cite web |last=Matin |first=Zoeb |date=17 April 2023 |title=A Film Ahead Of Its Time: No Smoking |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/readers-articles/no-smoking-a-film-ahead-of-its-time-zee5-anurag-kashyap-john-abraham |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250810163053/https://www.filmcompanion.in/readers-articles/no-smoking-a-film-ahead-of-its-time-zee5-anurag-kashyap-john-abraham |archive-date=10 August 2025 |access-date=15 January 2026 |website=FilmCompanion}}</ref>
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]] website, the film has received 46% fresh rating, indicating mixed reviews.<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking(2007) - Rotten Tomatoes |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1192358-1192358-no_smoking |website=Rotten Tomatoes}}</ref> Phelim O'Neill of ''[[The Guardian]]'' gave it 3 out of 5 saying "While no screen credit is offered to [[Stephen King|King]], it's clear his tale directly forms this film's basis, making it kind of a first for [[Indian cinema]]. It could be the beginning of a trend. While a slack pace, unsettled internal logic and a goofy subplot undo much of director Kashyap's hard work.<ref>{{cite news |title=No Smoking |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/oct/26/bollywood.horror |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |author=Phelim O'Neill |access-date=10 August 2012 |date=26 October 2007}}</ref> ''[[Film 4]]'' also rated it 3 out of 5 stars and said "Those whose concept of Bollywood involves elephants, saris and dance numbers might be pleasantly surprised by Anurag Kashyap's film, a slick thriller that combines a screwball sensibility with a nightmarish twist".<ref>{{cite web |title=No smoking review |url=http://www.film4.com/reviews/2007/no-smoking |publisher=[[Film 4]] |access-date=10 August 2012}}</ref> Tajpal Rathore from ''[[BBC Films]] ''gave it 1 out of 5 and said "''No Smoking'' is a surprisingly sincere effort, but shouldn't make your life feel any more fulfilled, even if you are a smoker. The shoddy screenplay is stale, and its situations laughable, and though the actors' give it their all, it just doesn't light up in the end. No smoke, and no fire, in what is ultimately a bit of a drag".<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking (2007) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2007/10/22/no_smoking_2007_review.shtml#rating |publisher=[[BBC Films]] |author=Tajpal Rathore |access-date=10 August 2012 |date=22 October 2007}}</ref>


===Box office===
Matin pointed out how K's journey takes him from his "plush [[South Bombay]] apartment overlooking the magnificent vista of [[Brabourne Stadium]]," into the "almost claustrophobic bustle of [[Dharavi]]'s slums," and then further into a "subterranean [[purgatory]] in the hot bowels of the city where, as in a dream, time and place coalesce in a mist of sunlight and dirt."<ref name=ns8/>
The film was screened in private a day before its release, as most of the audience could not decipher the film, they left, which resulted in a negative word of the mouth spreading. The film was further affected from negative critical reception.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jab We Met gives Box Office a breather |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/box-office/2007/jab-we-met-rules-box-office-051107.html |publisher=[[Oneindia.in]] |author=Taran Adarsh |author-link=Taran Adarsh |access-date=11 August 2012 |date=5 November 2007}}</ref> ''No Smoking'' opened to a poor response at the box office, and was one of the biggest disasters of the year.<ref>{{cite web |title='Jab We Met' Succeeds; 'No Smoking' Sinks; 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' Races To 41 crores |url=http://www.planetbollywood.com/BoxOffice/index.php?id=49 |publisher=Planet Bollywood |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=2 November 2007}}</ref>


==Awards==
==Release==
[[53rd Filmfare Awards]]
''No Smoking'' was invited to be screened at the 2nd [[Rome Film Festival]], where the film had its premiere on 24 October 2007, where it was well-received,<ref name=ns6/> before its general release on 26 October.<ref name=ns11>{{cite web |date=25 October 2007 |title=No Smoking in Rome |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/25john.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260221204131/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/25john.htm |archive-date=21 February 2026 |access-date=14 August 2012 |work=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking Cast & Crew |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/201583 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123103701/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/201583 |archive-date=23 January 2012 |access-date=9 August 2012 |work=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref>
* Nominated: [[Filmfare Award for Best Art Direction]] - [[Wasiq Khan]]
* Nominated: [[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer]] - [[Rajeev Ravi]]
* Nominated: [[Filmfare Award for Best Special Effects]] - Sudeepto Bose<ref>{{cite web |title=Sudeepto Bose VFX artist |url=http://www.sudeepto.com |publisher=SudeeptoBose}}</ref>


==Impact and legacy==
===Reception===
{{Quote box
{{Multiple image
| quote = "I was extremely angry and bitter after ''No Smoking''. People reviewed me rather than the movie. It was a new kind of film and while it was getting international recognition, in my own country it was being ripped apart. I learnt a lesson though and it was that if you have to do something new, you have to go step by step. First and foremost, look at how the film would recover money. ''No Smoking'' was an expensive film and it hurts".
| image1            = Franz Kafka, 1923.jpg
| source = [[Anurag Kashyap]]'s reaction to the failure of ''No Smoking''.<ref name=ns4/>
| image2            = David Lynch -microphone -10Aug2007-2p (cropped).jpg
| width = 35%
| perrow            = 3
| total_width      = 360
| image3            = Gaiman, Neil (2007).jpg
| footer            = The works of Franz Kafka (left),<ref name=ns7/> David Lynch (center)<ref name=ns21/> and Neil Gaiman (right) were counted among as influences on the film.<ref name=ns13/>
}}
}}


<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:No Smoking.JPG|right|230px|thumb|Famous scene of K (Abraham) sitting in the bathtub.]] -->
Prithviraj Hegde noted that ''No Smoking'' could be cheered at film festivals, but that "it sure won't either at a suburban multiplex nor a tent cinema in [[Tamil Nadu]] or [[Bihar]]."<ref name=ns16/> Gautaman Bhaskaran also found it "unlikely to get into the commercial circuit."<ref name=ns12/> It ultimately [[Box-office bomb|bombed at the box-office]],<ref name=ns9/><ref name=ns18>{{Cite news |date=6 March 2013 |title=John Abraham, Anurag Kashyap team up for No Smoking 2 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/john-abraham-anurag-kashyap-team-up-for-no-smoking-2/story-YDp0r8QIzm2yvstJzqIlMM.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118013725/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/john-abraham-anurag-kashyap-team-up-for-no-smoking-2/story-YDp0r8QIzm2yvstJzqIlMM.html |archive-date=18 November 2017 |access-date=19 January 2026 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> grossing {{INRConvert|3.49|c|year=2007}} against a budget of {{INRConvert|7.50|c|year=2007}}.{{efn|Budget figure includes print and advertising costs<ref>{{Cite web |title=No Smoking |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=257 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205031134/https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=257 |archive-date=5 December 2025 |access-date=15 January 2026 |website=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref>}}
The film was made on huge budget and at the time when it sank at the box office, the director Kashyap fell into depression not expecting the critics to lash at it.<ref name=ns4/> He admitted that most of the audience expected to see a film about quitting smoking and that pre-release, the extensively played item song featuring Basu gave audience the wrong type of image as they expected her to play the lead role opposite Abraham.<ref name=ns2/> In 2011, Kashyap stated that ''No Smoking'' was his favourite, of all his films.<ref>{{cite web |title=Anurag Kashyap: I loved No Smoking the most |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-part-two-interview-of-anurag-kashyap/20110905.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |author=Aseem Chhabra |date=5 September 2011 |access-date=24 August 2012}}</ref>
 
''No Smoking'' received negative reviews from critics,{{efn|Attributed to multiple references<ref name=ns5/><ref name=ns26/><ref name=ns2/><ref name=ns6>{{cite news |date=30 October 2007 |title=Biased criticism doesn't help: Anurag Kashyap |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/entertainment/Biased-criticism-doesn-t-help-Anurag-Kashyap/Article1-254812.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313015542/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/entertainment/Biased-criticism-doesn-t-help-Anurag-Kashyap/Article1-254812.aspx |archive-date=13 March 2014 |access-date=16 August 2012 |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Jha |first=Lata |date=27 October 2015 |title=Ten Bollywood directors who found success late |url=http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/bwmEEnWusJRuQ3K93FlOKN/Ten-Bollywood-directors-who-found-success-late.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250222234155/http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/bwmEEnWusJRuQ3K93FlOKN/Ten-Bollywood-directors-who-found-success-late.html |archive-date=22 February 2025 |access-date=5 May 2016 |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]}}</ref>}} though international reviews were considerably positive.<ref name=ns23>{{Cite web |last=Prejo |date=26 July 2020 |title=No Smoking: Appreciating Anurag Kashyap’s Psychological Thriller |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/readers-articles/no-smoking-appreciating-anurag-kashyap-psychological-thriller |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728214805/https://www.filmcompanion.in/readers-articles/no-smoking-appreciating-anurag-kashyap-psychological-thriller |archive-date=28 July 2020 |access-date=13 February 2026 |website=[[Film Companion]]}}</ref> On the [[review aggregator]] website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], 50% of 12 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.8/10.<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1192358-1192358-no_smoking |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260302074905/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1192358-1192358-no_smoking |archive-date=2 March 2026 |access-date=15 January 2026 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}}</ref>


''No Smoking'' has garnered a strong [[Cult film|cult following]], among Kashyap's fans and movie buffs, who rate it as one of the most abstract stories, which can have [[Aesthetic interpretation|multiple interpretations]].<ref name=ns7>{{cite magazine |url=http://forbesindia.com/blog/life/i-dont-try-to-make-cult-films-anurag-kashyap/ |magazine=[[Forbes|Forbes India]] |author=Abhishek Raghunath |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=1 January 2012 |title=I Don't Try to Make Cult Films: Anurag Kashyap}}</ref> The film has seen more positive response from overseas than in India,<ref name=ns4>{{cite web |url=http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/09/feb/12-i-was-extremely-angry-n-bitter-after-no-smoking-020909.asp |publisher=Glamsham |author=Sampurn |access-date=11 August 2012 |date=12 February 2009 |title=Anurag Kashyap: I was extremely angry & bitter after No Smoking}}</ref> though the audience now views it as a modern masterpiece, critical reception has still not improved. It is often compared to the films of [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] director [[David Lynch]], who is known for his cult surrealistic films.<ref>{{cite web |title=Why Anurag Kashyap is like Bhansali |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/nov/15rs.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |author=Raja Sen |access-date=16 August 2012 |date=15 November 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Gangs of Wasseypur - Gags of Wasseypur |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3754000.ece |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |author=Sudhish Kamath |author-link=Sudhish Kamath |access-date=16 August 2012 |date=11 August 2012}}</ref>
The film was criticised for its cryptic storytelling and ambition.<ref name=ns24/><ref name=ns6/> ''[[IBN Live]]''<nowiki/>'s [[Rajeev Masand]] criticised its "intentionally incohesive screenplay and bizarre dialogue."<ref name=ns10>{{cite web |author=Masand |first=Rajeev |author-link= |date=26 October 2007 |title=Review: No Smoking is a colossal disappointment |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/review-no-smoking-is-a-colossal-disappointment/51232-8.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129223058/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/review-no-smoking-is-a-colossal-disappointment/51232-8.html |archive-date=29 January 2009 |access-date=9 August 2012 |publisher=IBN Live}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]''<nowiki/>'s Phelim O'Neill and ''[[Times of India]]'' found it illogical.<ref name=ns15/><ref>{{cite news |author= |author-link= |date=27 October 2007 |title=No Smoking |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/No-Smoking/movie-review/2493801.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260302074453/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/no-smoking/movie-review/2493801.cms |archive-date=2 March 2026 |access-date=10 August 2012 |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref> ''[[DNA India]]''<nowiki/>'s Indu Mirani said that "understanding its plot's many forward and backward movements would be out of the scope of the layman."<ref name=ns13>{{cite news |author=Mirani |first=Indu |date=26 October 2007 |title=Kick Kashyap's butt |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mobile/report.php?n=1130068 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260302074248/https://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/review-kick-kashyap-s-butt-1130068 |archive-date=2 March 2026 |access-date=24 August 2012 |newspaper=DNA India}}</ref> ''[[Hindustan Times]]''<nowiki/>' [[Khalid Mohamed]] and [[Bollywood Hungama]]'s Taran Adarsh failed to grasp what was going on in the film.<ref name=ns17>{{cite news |author=Mohamed |first=Khalid |author-link= |date=26 October 2007 |title=Review: No Smoking |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Review-No-Smoking/Article1-254292.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116044606/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Reviews/Review-No-Smoking/Article1-254292.aspx |archive-date=16 November 2011 |access-date=9 August 2012 |newspaper=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref name=ns14>{{cite web |author=Adarsh |first=Taran |author-link= |date=26 October 2007 |title=No Smoking |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201583 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407100346/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201583 |archive-date=7 April 2014 |access-date=23 August 2012 |work=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref> [[Rediff.com]]'s Prithviraj Hegde called it "a bad dream, peopled with strange characters and situations" which "spins into a downward spiral that's unreal, incomprehensible and leaves you dazed."<ref name=ns16>{{cite web |author=Hegde |first=Prithviraj |date=26 October 2007 |title=What was the director smoking |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/26smoke.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251123180524/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/26smoke.htm |archive-date=23 November 2025 |access-date=9 August 2012 |work=Rediff.com}}</ref> [[BBC Film|BBC Films]]' Tajpal Rathore found its "shoddy screenplay stale, and its situations laughable."<ref name=ns29>{{cite web |author=Rathore |first=Tajpal |date=22 October 2007 |title=No Smoking (2007) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2007/10/22/no_smoking_2007_review.shtml#rating |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251231162506/https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2007/10/22/no_smoking_2007_review.shtml#rating |archive-date=31 December 2025 |access-date=10 August 2012 |publisher=BBC Films}}</ref> ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''<nowiki/>'s Jay Weissberg and [[BBC]]'s Manish Gajjar called it confusing.<ref name=ns26>{{Cite magazine |last=Weissberg |first=Jay |date=6 November 2007 |title=No Smoking |url=https://variety.com/2007/film/reviews/no-smoking-1200554751/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260302073614/https://variety.com/2007/film/reviews/no-smoking-1200554751/ |archive-date=2 March 2026 |access-date=15 February 2026 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref><ref name=ns25>{{Cite web |last=Gajjar |first=Manish |date=21 December 2007 |title=No Smoking |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2007/11/no_smoking_review.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221015458/https://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2007/11/no_smoking_review.shtml |archive-date=21 December 2007 |access-date=15 February 2026 |website=[[BBC]]}}</ref>


''No Smoking'' has been played at several [[Film festivals]]. It was played at the Indian film festival and won multiple awards, after being repeatedly screened. The film was also played at various venues in [[Beijing]] ([[China]]) and [[Rome]].<ref name=ns8/>
Abraham's performance, praised by Adarsh,<ref name=ns14/> Bhaskaran,<ref name=ns12/> Mirani,<ref name=ns13/> Saloni Gajjar,<ref name=ns24/> and Manish Gajjar,<ref name=ns25/> was criticised by Sinanan<ref name=ns20/> and Mohamed, who quipped that he "still has to learn the A B C of acting."<ref name=ns17/> Takia's performance was criticised by Mohamed.<ref name=ns17/> She "runs through her role mechanically," according to Adarsh,<ref name=ns14/> and according to Mirani, she "sleepwalks through her part."<ref name=ns13/> In contrast, she impressed Manish Gajjar.<ref name=ns25/> Rawal's performance was praised,<ref name=ns13/><ref name=ns14/> describing him as "typically brilliant,"<ref name=ns25/> and saying that his role was "essayed with verve."<ref name=ns12/> Shorey's performance was criticised as boring<ref name=ns14/> and disappointing.<ref name=ns13/>


===Interpretations===
Cinematography was complimented by many critics such as Masand,<ref name=ns10/> O'Neill,<ref name=ns15/> Saloni Gajjar<ref name=ns24/> and Manish Gajjar,<ref name=ns25/> with Adarsh going so far as to suggest that cinematography was the film's "only aspect that stood out."<ref name=ns14/> The score was praised by Manish Gajjar.<ref name=ns25/> Adarsh conceded that "Jab Bhi" dance sequence was "imaginatively filmed."<ref name=ns14/> Weissberg found the visuals "self-indulgent."<ref name=ns26/> Bhaskaran and Adarsh criticised the film's lack of entertainment value.<ref name=ns12/><ref name=ns14/> The flashback scene of K and Abbas smoking in the toilet was described as entertaining and hilarious,<ref name=ns10/> and "genuinely clever."<ref name=ns2/> Weissberg considered Hitler's gas chamber references as "plain offensive."<ref name=ns26/>
''No Smoking'' is notable as being the only [[Bollywood]] film which can have multiple interpretations.<ref>{{cite web |title=What is your Interpretation |url=http://interpretationofnosmoking.blogspot.in/2010/03/interpretaion-of-no-smoking-by-anurag.html |publisher=blogspot |access-date=1 February 2015 |date=8 March 2010}}</ref> Kashyap explained that the film has nothing to do with quitting smoking but relatively about the state of mind, which refers to the [[Mood (psychology)|mood]] or the [[Mental health|mental state]] of the film's [[protagonist]], K. He has left it upon the audience themselves to make their own interpretations and speculate what transpires.<ref name=ns5>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/anurag-kashyap-no-smoking-is-a-state-of-mind-news-bollywood-kkfuyRbdibj.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202080957/http://www.sify.com/movies/anurag-kashyap-no-smoking-is-a-state-of-mind-news-bollywood-kkfuyRbdibj.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 February 2013 |website=[[Sify]] |author=Sonia Chopra |access-date=11 August 2012 |date=26 October 2007 |title=Anurag Kashyap: No Smoking is a state of mind}}</ref><ref name=ns6>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/30anurag.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=11 August 2012 |date=30 October 2007 |title=The director's guide to No Smoking}}</ref> There are many unofficial [[blog]]s on the internet by fans trying to solve the film's meaning.


==Soundtrack==
Reviewers noted the film to be influenced by the works of [[Franz Kafka]] (particularly ''[[The Trial]]''), [[David Lynch]],<ref name=ns2/><ref name=ns21>{{cite news |author=Sudhish Kamath |author-link=Sudhish Kamath |date=11 August 2012 |title=Gangs of Wasseypur - Gags of Wasseypur |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3754000.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813202449/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3754000.ece |archive-date=13 August 2012 |access-date=29 June 2016 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> [[Lars Von Trier]], [[Neil Gaiman]], and [[graphic novels]] in general,<ref name=ns13/> as well as [[The Game (1997 film)|''The Game'']] (1997), ''[[Seconds (1966 film)|Seconds]]'' (1966),<ref name=ns7/> ''[[Schindler's List]]'' (1993) and ''[[Being John Malkovich]]'' (1999).<ref name=ns20/> Comparisons were made to ''[[Mulholland Drive (film)|Mulholland Drive]]'' (2001),<ref name=ns24/> ''[[Saw (franchise)|Saw]]'' (2004{{ndash}}present),<ref name=ns29/> ''[[Naach]]'' (2004), ''[[The Matrix Reloaded]]'' (2003), ''[[Lost (TV series)|Lost]]'' (2004{{ndash}}present) and [[music videos]].<ref name=ns2/> Critics variously identified it as a [[black comedy]],<ref name=ns7/><ref name=ns10/> a [[neo-noir]], a [[surreal film]]<ref name=ns24/> or a [[thriller film]].<ref name=ns10/><ref name=ns25/> The film paid homage to [[Bob Fosse]], a "chain-smoking director-choreographer who went to an early grave."<ref name=ns7/><ref name=ns17/>
{{Infobox album
| name      = No Smoking
| type      = [[Album]]
| artist    = [[Vishal Bhardwaj]]
| cover      =
| alt        =
| released  = {{start date|df=yes|2007|09|05}} (India)
| recorded  =
| venue      =
| studio    =
| genre      = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length    =
| label      = [[Eros Labs|Eros Entertainment]]
| producer  = Kumar Mangat & [[Vishal Bhardwaj]]
| prev_title = [[Omkara (2006 film)|Omkara]]
| prev_year  = 2006
| next_title = [[U, Me Aur Hum]]
| next_year  = 2008
}}


The official soundtrack was composed by [[Vishal Bhardwaj]] who also co-produced the film. Background Score was done by Hitesh Sonik & [[Clinton Cerejo]]. The lyrics were penned by [[Gulzar (lyricist)|Gulzar]].<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking songs |url=http://ww.smashits.com/no-smoking/songs-6592.html |publisher=SmasHits.com |access-date=18 August 2012}}</ref> The music rights were sold to [[Eros Entertainment]] and were released in 5 September 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking(Music) - Erosentertainment |work=Music Review |url=http://music.erosentertainment.com/musicstore/Search_Result.asp?Page=11 |publisher=Eros Music |access-date=14 October 2007}}</ref> The album is available to download from [[iTunes Store|iTunes]].<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking - EP (Original Soundtrack) |url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/no-smoking-ep-original-soundtrack/id264976991 |publisher=[[iTunes Store]] |access-date=10 August 2012}}</ref>
Commenting on the unfavourable reception, Kashyap stated that people would understand the film "after they get over the shock."<ref name=ns5/> The film was honoured at the 2011 [[Indian Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |author= |first= |date=20 July 2011 |title=No Smoking wins awards at Indian Film Festival, China |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/no-smoking-wins-awards-at-indian-film-festival-china/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216081653/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/no-smoking-wins-awards-at-indian-film-festival-china/ |archive-date=16 December 2022 |access-date=16 January 2026 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]}}</ref> It has since gained a [[cult following]].{{efn|Attributed to multiple references<ref name=ns24/><ref name=ns4>{{Cite news |date=18 January 2024 |title='Drishyam 2' Director Abhishek Pathak: 'No Smoking' Was Way Ahead Of Its Time |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/-drishyam-2-director-abhishek-pathak-no-smoking-was-way-ahead-of-its-time-news-238659 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207120302/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/-drishyam-2-director-abhishek-pathak-no-smoking-was-way-ahead-of-its-time-news-238659 |archive-date=7 December 2025 |access-date=14 February 2026 |work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]}}</ref><ref name=ns9>{{Cite news |date=12 March 2025 |title=Anurag Kashyap praises John Abraham’s performance in ‘The Diplomat’, needs ‘subject’ for ‘No Smoking 2’ |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/anurag-kashyap-praises-john-abrahams-performance-in-the-diplomat-needs-subject-for-no-smoking-2/article69320635.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260114092030/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/anurag-kashyap-praises-john-abrahams-performance-in-the-diplomat-needs-subject-for-no-smoking-2/article69320635.ece |archive-date=14 January 2026 |access-date=14 January 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Roychoudhury |first=Amborish |title=In a Cult of Their Own: Bollywood Beyond Box Office |publisher=Rupa |year=2018 |isbn=978-8129151353 |location=India |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Doshi |first=Tushar |date=7 August 2025 |title=Exclusive: John Abraham says he's been after Anurag Kashyap for No Smoking sequel |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/john-abraham-says-hes-been-after-anurag-kashyap-for-no-smoking-sequel-2767594-2025-08-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009045053/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/john-abraham-says-hes-been-after-anurag-kashyap-for-no-smoking-sequel-2767594-2025-08-07 |archive-date=9 October 2025 |access-date=19 January 2026 |magazine=[[India Today]]}}</ref>}}


===Track listing===
== Potential sequel ==
{| class="wikitable"
Abraham first expressed his interest in a sequel in 2013.<ref name=ns18/> After Abraham reiterated his interest again in 2025, Kashyap said that he needs a thrilling, appropriate and unique subject matter to move forward with it.<ref name=ns9/>
|-
! Song !! Singer(s)!! Lyricist !! Duration
|-
|"Phook De" (Club Mix)
| [[Rekha Bhardwaj]]
| [[Gulzar (lyricist)|Gulzar]]
| 5:15
|-
| "Kash Laga"
| [[Sukhwinder Singh]], [[Daler Mehndi]], [[Vishal Bhardwaj]]
| Gulzar
| 5:47
|-
| "Ash Tray"
| Deva Sengupta
| Gulzar
| 4:39
|-
| "Phook De"
| Sukhwinder Singh
| Gulzar
| 5:55
|-
| "Jab Bhi Ciggaret"
| [[Sunidhi Chauhan]]
| Gulzar
| 5:06
|-
| "Jab Bhi Ciggaret" (Jazz)
| [[Adnan Sami]]
| Gulzar
| 5:03
|-
|}


===Reception===
==See also==
The soundtrack album received critical acclaim. Abhishek Singh from ''Planet Bollywood'' said "Over all, as expected, the music turns out to be daringly different and in complete contrast to anything that you might have ever listened. Almost all the songs carry the message of the film along and for that reason only, one can’t be sure of this album on a stand alone basis but seen alongside the concept of the movie, it sure hits the bulls eye".<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking music review |url=http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=101407073113 |publisher=Planet Bollywood |access-date=11 August 2012}}</ref> Joginder Tuteja from ''[[India Fm]]'' said "With music by Vishal Bhardwaj and lyrics by Gulzar saab, one expects an unconventional soundtrack in the offering. Well, unconventional it is and in at least a couple of places, exciting too! This has to be one of the most original tracks ever written. 'Jab Bhi Cigarette' is the opening song of the album and may well be termed as the title song of the album".<ref>{{cite web |title=No Smoking - Music Review |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/music/reviews/2007/no-smoking-music-review-021107.html |publisher=[[Oneindia.in]] |author=Joginder Tuteja |access-date=11 August 2012 |date=2 November 2007}}</ref> Satyajit from ''Glamsham'' said "''No Smoking'' dares to be different for chartering unexplored territories and have surprises in raucously driven vivacious tracks like "Phoonk De" and "Jab Bhi Cigarette". [[Rekha Bhardwaj]]'s peculiar nasal twang will be garnering major spotlight in "Phoonk De" (club mix) with chartbusting success after her subtle and submissive ''[[Laaga Chunari Mein Daag]]''".<ref>{{cite web |title=Music Review : No Smoking |url=http://www.glamsham.com/music/reviews/13_music_review_no_smoking_100701.asp |publisher=Glamsham |author=Satyajit |access-date=11 August 2012}}</ref>
* ''[[Julie Ganapathi]]'' (2003), the first Indian [[Media based on Stephen King works|Stephen King film adaptation]]
* ''[[Woh]]'', 1998 television series, the first Hindi-language Stephen King adaptation
* [[List of cult films]]
* [[List of Hindi films of 2007]]
* [[List of box-office bombs]]
* [[List of films featuring surveillance]]
* [[List of films released by Eros International]]
* [[53rd Filmfare Awards]]


==Notes==
{{notelist}}
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}
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==External links==
==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0995740|No Smoking}}
* {{IMDb title|0995740|No Smoking}}
* {{rotten-tomatoes|1192358-1192358-no_smoking|No Smoking}}
* [https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/no-smoking-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0znzyzmdy ''No Smoking''] at [[British Board of Film Classification]]


{{Anurag Kashyap}}
{{Anurag Kashyap}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:No Smoking (2007 Film)}}
[[Category:2007 films]]
[[Category:2007 Indian films]]
[[Category:2007 psychological thriller films]]
[[Category:2007 psychological thriller films]]
[[Category:2000s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:2007 Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:Smoking cessation]]
[[Category:Smoking cessation]]
[[Category:Films directed by Anurag Kashyap]]
[[Category:Films directed by Anurag Kashyap]]
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[[Category:Films shot in Siberia]]
[[Category:Films shot in Siberia]]
[[Category:Films about smoking]]
[[Category:Films about smoking]]
[[Category:Panorama Studios films]]

Latest revision as of 11:11, 11 March 2026

No Smoking
On the poster's center is a man's face with a circle beard wearing sunglasses while smoking. Surrounding the face are various faded scenes, including a soldier pointing his rifle at a man lying down the ground, a woman holding a mug, and a man chasing another man. Below the face is the title "No Smoking" in white uppercase text, stylized as a cigarette butt.
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAnurag Kashyap
Produced byKumar Mangat Pathak
Vishal Bhardwaj
Written byAnurag Kashyap
Story byAnurag Kashyap
Raj Singh Chaudhary
Based onQuitters, Inc. (1978)
by Stephen King
Starring
Music bySongs:
Vishal Bhardwaj
Score:
Hitesh Sonik
Clinton Cerejo
CinematographyRajeev Ravi
Edited byAarti Bajaj
Production
company
Big Screen Entertainment
Vishal Bhardwaj Films
Distributed byEros International
Release date
  • 24 October 2007 (2007-10-24) (Rome Film Festival)
  • 26 October 2007 (2007-10-26) (India)
Running time
127 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹7.50 crore
Box office₹3.49 crore

No Smoking is a 2007 Indian Hindi-language black comedy thriller film written and directed by Anurag Kashyap, and produced by Vishal Bhardwaj. The film stars John Abraham, Ayesha Takia, Paresh Rawal and Ranvir Shorey. The film follows K (Abraham), a self-obsessed, narcissist chain smoker who agrees to quit smoking to save his marriage and visits a rehabilitation centre to assuage his wife (Takia) and friend (Shorey), only to be caught up in a labyrinthine plot by Baba Bangali (Rawal), the man who guarantees that he will make him quit by any means necessary.

Taking inspiration from Stephen King's "Quitters, Inc.", Kashyap pitched the idea to Bhardwaj, who wanted to produce for him, and Abraham, who wanted to work with him, both of whom accepted, and the rest of the cast followed. Principal photography took place in Dharavi, Mumbai, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Russia. Bhardwaj also composed the music, while the lyrics were written by Gulzar. The film's themes include freedom, privacy, surveillance, and politico-religious methods of autocratic figures to suppress people's rights.

No Smoking premiered at the Rome Film Festival on 24 October 2007, before its general release on 26 October. The film received negative reviews and bombed at the box-office, grossing ₹3.49 crore (equivalent to ₹8.5 crore or US$1.2 million in 2019) against a budget of ₹7.50 crore (equivalent to ₹18 crore or US$2.6 million in 2019). It has since gained a cult following. Abraham has repeatedly expressed interest in a sequel.

Plot[edit | edit source]

K, a wealthy businessman in his 30s, is confident, narcissistic, arrogant, and completely addicted to smoking, so much so that he even smokes in the bath. K's friends, Abbas and the doctor, offer to set up an appointment at a rehabilitation centre called Prayogshaala (lit. 'Laboratory'), but K ignores their advice. His addiction puts severe strain on his relationship with his wife Anjali. After K cannot even make love to her without having to stop to light up a cigarette, she leaves him.

K realises his problem and decides to check out Prayogshaala, and meets Shri Shri Prakash Guru Ghantal Baba Bangali Sealdah Wale, who runs it. The method Prayogshaala uses to cure their patients of their addiction is based on fear and psychological manipulation. Each time a patient gives in to their vice, Baba makes sure that something shocking happens to them, which includes:

  1. Almost killing one of his loved ones, by keeping them in a chamber full of cigarette smoke he has smoked in his entire life for five minutes,
  2. Losing his finger,
  3. Killing one of his loved ones,
  4. Taking his soul.

K is forced to pay the fee of ₹21,11,110 for his treatment by Baba and his disciples. Baba then tells K that he is free to leave, but he must abide by the rules or he will suffer the consequences. K tries to keep to the terms but fails twice, and is punished. He is now conscious about the third time.

After some time, K meets an old friend, Alex, who is now a Cuban cigar seller. At an event, K is forced to place a cigar in his mouth to appease Alex. Seconds later, he receives a phone call from the police, informing him that his wife is missing. He calls Baba, and is told that for smoking, his wife will be killed, as per the rules. He protests that he did not actually smoke and Baba apologizes for the mistake, but says that it is too late. K asks Baba to tell the police about this, but the line dies out, and the phone number is non-existent on dialling. K's protests are ignored and the police believe that he is delusional. Trying to make them believe, he seeks out Abbas, who had lost a finger, only to find that he has all of his fingers intact. Mocking him, the police force K to smoke. Shortly afterwards, K gets a phone call about his brother committing suicide due to his smoking. K raves angrily at the police and is thrown in jail, but is eventually bailed out.

K learns that Baba permits smoking during a period known as 'Zero Minute'. He attends such an event, where he lights up a cigarette. Suddenly, K wakes up in a Russian army base with a call from his wife, she asks him why he believes she is dead. Confused, K escapes from the base by jumping into the water and ends up in a ragged room, from which he sees himself staring out from a hospital room. He also sees his wife and Baba. He calls out but no one can hear him, and he is told that it is because his body no longer hears his inner soul. The final punishment is complete.

K wakes up in his home, his wife sleeping beside him. He finds out that he is missing two fingers. In a mid-credits scene, K, who has since gotten his finger back, is seen recommending Prayogshaala to a friend.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
John Abaraham (left) and Ayesha Takia (right)

Main cast[edit | edit source]

Other characters[edit | edit source]

Production[edit | edit source]

Development[edit | edit source]

The idea for the film came during the making of Satya (1998), when director Ram Gopal Varma pitched a story to Anurag Kashyap, the film's writer, about a chain smoker's encounter with someone who despises smoking. Varma later incorporated his own idea of the story as a short segment in his anthology film, Darna Mana Hai (2003). During the shooting of Kashyap's Black Friday (2007), his assistant narrated him a different script about a chain smoker who wakes up without cigarettes and is unable to get any because of a curfew.[2] Taking inspiration from Stephen King's "Quitters, Inc." (1978), Kashyap decided to take the story forward.[1][3] The film had a personal significance for him as his first two directorial efforts Paanch (2003) and Black Friday went unreleased and people were telling him to "quit."[4] When asked if Cat's Eye (1985), an American anthology horror film that adapted "Quitters, Inc." as one of its segments, was an inspiration, he replied that he hadn't watched it until after the script was complete.[1] Remarking that the film has a universal subject, Kashyap further said that since none of his films were released up until that point, he shot the movie in "a lot of anger," and that he was "defying the system" by making the film.[5] The film is an Indian production[6][7] and was distributed by Eros International.[8]

Pre-production[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Saif Ali Khan was erroneously reported to be in the film.[9]

Kashyap approached actors through short messaging service;[10] John Abraham replied back, because Deepa Mehta, the director of his Oscar-nominated Water (2005), for which Kashyap penned the dialogues, told him that he must work with Kashyap.[4][11] Thinking that Abraham would not be able to understand the idea, and afraid of throwing away the chance, he narrated him an idea which he came up on his way to Abraham's residence, titled Lapata (lit. 'Lost'), after which Abraham told him that he expected something more intelligent from Kashyap. Thrilled, Kashyap told him about No Smoking, which the actor ended up loving. Lapata later formed the basis for Kashyap's Ugly (2013). Kashyap claimed that Abraham was trying to rediscover himself; this propelled him to accept the film, alongside Kabul Express (2006), Taxi No. 9211 (2006), Goal (2007), Aashayein (2010) and Water.[4][10] Abraham provided Kashyap financial assistance and told him to finalize the script, which he did when he flew to the US. After directing Omkara (2006), Vishal Bhardwaj approached Kashyap when he came back to India, wanting to make a film with him. Kashyap told him about No Smoking, and Bhardwaj agreed to work with him.[4] Reportedly, Shah Rukh Khan was also in talks to star.[12]

For the dual role of Anjali and Annie, "one a self-respecting woman, another opposite", Kashyap went to actresses he thought could do the role, but they refused as the role was not substantial enough.[1][10] Ultimately, Ayesha Takia was cast. She was not comfortable with the lovemaking scenes and the outfits of her character Annie, though Kashyap refused to make any changes. Despite this, he maintained that she was an "actress" and a "face" too.[10]

Originally, Rajkumar Santoshi was to play the doctor, and Abbas Tyrewala was to play Abbas, that is why Kashyap named the character after him. However, Tyrewala later opted out and the role was given to Ranvir Shorey instead.[13] Furthermore, erroneous reports surfaced that Saif Ali Khan would appear in a cameo, on the request of co-producer Kumar Mangat Pathak, who worked with him in Omkara.[9] It was also reported that Bipasha Basu would appear in an item number.[14] When asked what made Kashyap appear in the film, he replied, "only vanity."[1]

Kashyap cast well-known actors in the hope of having the film released; he thought that casting "unknown but brilliant" actors had made his prior films unreleased.[1] Abhishek Pathak, Kumar Mangat Pathak's son, served as the first assistant director of the film.[15]

Filming[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Principal photography took place in Dharavi, a slum in Mumbai, India.[16]

Principal photography took place in Dharavi, Mumbai, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Russia.[16][17] During the shooting in Uzbekistan, a Russian actor dressed as a soldier had to chase Abraham. After running 200 meters (660 ft), the man collapsed from oxygen depletion and had to be rushed to a hospital, as the shooting was on a high altitude.[18] There was a rumor of Abraham appearing in a nude scene, but Kashyap clarified that he had not decided how to shoot it.[19]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

No Smoking
Studio album by
Vishal Bhardwaj
Released5 September 2007 (2007-09-05) (India)
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LabelEros Music
ProducerKumar Mangat Pathak, Vishal Bhardwaj
Vishal Bhardwaj chronology
Omkara
(2006) 		No Smoking
(2007) 		U, Me Aur Hum
(2008)

The official soundtrack was composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, who also co-produced the film, while the lyrics were written by Gulzar.[19]

Track listing[edit | edit source]

All tracks are written by Gulzar.

No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Kash Laga"Daler Mehndi, Sukhwinder Singh, Vishal Bhardwaj5:47
2."Phoonk De"Sukhwinder Singh5:55
3."Ash Tray"Deva Sengupta4:39
4."Jab Bhi" (Trance)Sunidhi Chauhan5:06
5."Phoonk De" (Club Mix)Rekha Bhardwaj5:15
6."Jab Bhi" (Jazz)Adnan Sami5:03

Reception[edit | edit source]

Finding the soundtrack to be "unconventional, and exciting in a couple of places," Bollywood Hungama's Joginder Tuteja praised the renditions of Sami and Rekha Bhardwaj, but argued that "Kash Laga" is "fine if one strictly keeps in mind its situational appeal."[20]

Themes[edit | edit source]

K's predicament was compared to Alex DeLarge, the protagonist in A Clockwork Orange.[16]

On the significance of fingers, Anurag Kashyap said that fingers could also be used to hold a pen, which symbolises writing that is freedom of expression; and that K without his fingers represented his body without soul.[1] Kashyap has said that chopping two fingers symbolises Paanch and Black Friday, his first two directorial efforts, that were refused release by the CBFC, India's statutory film certification body.[12][21] FilmCompanion's Prejo interpreted the film to be the "director's depiction of this authoritarian regime where even cinema, as an artistic form of expression, is suppressed and restrained."[21] Similarly, The Hollywood Reporter's Gautaman Bhaskaran stated, "Kashyap must have realized that open confrontation with the authorities does not quite pay, so he plays around with words and actions."[11] The A.V. Club's Saloni Gajjar interpretated the film as a "journey through hell and back, one in which Kashyap has to fight against a system that controls his output and tries to define what the general public should and shouldn’t consume."[12] However, film director Raja Sen doubted the claims that K stood for Kashyap, arguing instead that "K is a character with no redeeming qualities whatsoever," so that must not be the director's intention.[22]

FilmCompanion's Zoeb Matin compared Baba Bangali's "pompously philosophic" figure to despots who use false spiritualism as means for their "nefarious end".[16] The Guardian's Phelim O'Neill called him "Hitler-loving,"[23] Prejo called him a friend of Hitler's,[21] and The Times's Anil Sinanan called him "a proud Hitler fan," noting the climactic gas chamber sequence.[24] The Guardian's Philip French pointed out that his means of coercion include constant surveillance and loss of privacy.[25] Bhaskaran noted further that, "in using politico-religious methods, including curbing the freedom of his female employees by making them wear veils, the character reflects the state of autocracy and fanaticism, driven by money, politics and religion, which prevails in Indian society," and how the film is ultimately about manipulating the human being as K loathes the idea of giving up his right.[11] Prejo posited that the film metaphorically depicts an authoritarian regime where the privilege of "free will and freedom of expression" may be granted only to "further the regime's cause."[21]

Prejo interpreted the film as a "journey through the complicated mind and psychology of a smoking addict who intends to kick the habit, a depiction of the travails of a chain smoker who finds it difficult to quit and the mental toll this process has on him."[21] Gajjar wrote that "K represents people afflicted with serious addictions who struggle to escape their patterns." And when K does seek a change, "he descends into a hell of sorts where he was emotionally, mentally, and physically manipulated into giving up smoking, at the cost of his sanity."[12]

Prejo pointed out "infinitely large repository of VHS tapes, which had recorded each and every incident and happenings in the lives of the patients of Prayogshala."[21] Interpreting the film as a critique of surveillance state, Gajjar noted how, "Baba Bengali constantly has eyes on K, no matter how many flights he takes or remote places he goes to, even in the privacy of his own home," and that "viewed in the present day, there’s a degree of relatability to being observed at all times, and to being addicted to the very tools and services observing you."[12]

Prejo noted the uncertainties of the events, whether they were real or in K's "convoluted psyche," pointing out K's repeated emergings from a bathtub, which could be his returning "to the real world" or "into his own mind."[21] Gajjar interpreted K waking up in the solitary cabin as showing imprisonment of "K, or rather, his soul," and that his predicament "highlights his distorted state of mind after being psychologically tortured for so long."[12]

Kashyap has stated that No Smoking is the story of "arrogance versus super arrogance, freedom to choose versus censorship; and that in the end freedom loses."[1] Time Out Mumbai's Girish Shahane compared the film favorably to Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange and argued that both films show that "the cure is worse than the disease if it robs you of your soul."[16]

Matin pointed out how K's journey takes him from his "plush South Bombay apartment overlooking the magnificent vista of Brabourne Stadium," into the "almost claustrophobic bustle of Dharavi's slums," and then further into a "subterranean purgatory in the hot bowels of the city where, as in a dream, time and place coalesce in a mist of sunlight and dirt."[16]

Release[edit | edit source]

No Smoking was invited to be screened at the 2nd Rome Film Festival, where the film had its premiere on 24 October 2007, where it was well-received,[26] before its general release on 26 October.[17][27]

Reception[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
The works of Franz Kafka (left),[25] David Lynch (center)[28] and Neil Gaiman (right) were counted among as influences on the film.[29]

Prithviraj Hegde noted that No Smoking could be cheered at film festivals, but that "it sure won't either at a suburban multiplex nor a tent cinema in Tamil Nadu or Bihar."[30] Gautaman Bhaskaran also found it "unlikely to get into the commercial circuit."[11] It ultimately bombed at the box-office,[31][32] grossing ₹3.49 crore (equivalent to ₹8.5 crore or US$1.2 million in 2019) against a budget of ₹7.50 crore (equivalent to ₹18 crore or US$2.6 million in 2019).[lower-alpha 1]

No Smoking received negative reviews from critics,[lower-alpha 2] though international reviews were considerably positive.[21] On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 50% of 12 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.8/10.[35]

The film was criticised for its cryptic storytelling and ambition.[12][26] IBN Live's Rajeev Masand criticised its "intentionally incohesive screenplay and bizarre dialogue."[36] The Guardian's Phelim O'Neill and Times of India found it illogical.[23][37] DNA India's Indu Mirani said that "understanding its plot's many forward and backward movements would be out of the scope of the layman."[29] Hindustan Times' Khalid Mohamed and Bollywood Hungama's Taran Adarsh failed to grasp what was going on in the film.[38][39] Rediff.com's Prithviraj Hegde called it "a bad dream, peopled with strange characters and situations" which "spins into a downward spiral that's unreal, incomprehensible and leaves you dazed."[30] BBC Films' Tajpal Rathore found its "shoddy screenplay stale, and its situations laughable."[7] Variety's Jay Weissberg and BBC's Manish Gajjar called it confusing.[6][40]

Abraham's performance, praised by Adarsh,[39] Bhaskaran,[11] Mirani,[29] Saloni Gajjar,[12] and Manish Gajjar,[40] was criticised by Sinanan[24] and Mohamed, who quipped that he "still has to learn the A B C of acting."[38] Takia's performance was criticised by Mohamed.[38] She "runs through her role mechanically," according to Adarsh,[39] and according to Mirani, she "sleepwalks through her part."[29] In contrast, she impressed Manish Gajjar.[40] Rawal's performance was praised,[29][39] describing him as "typically brilliant,"[40] and saying that his role was "essayed with verve."[11] Shorey's performance was criticised as boring[39] and disappointing.[29]

Cinematography was complimented by many critics such as Masand,[36] O'Neill,[23] Saloni Gajjar[12] and Manish Gajjar,[40] with Adarsh going so far as to suggest that cinematography was the film's "only aspect that stood out."[39] The score was praised by Manish Gajjar.[40] Adarsh conceded that "Jab Bhi" dance sequence was "imaginatively filmed."[39] Weissberg found the visuals "self-indulgent."[6] Bhaskaran and Adarsh criticised the film's lack of entertainment value.[11][39] The flashback scene of K and Abbas smoking in the toilet was described as entertaining and hilarious,[36] and "genuinely clever."[22] Weissberg considered Hitler's gas chamber references as "plain offensive."[6]

Reviewers noted the film to be influenced by the works of Franz Kafka (particularly The Trial), David Lynch,[22][28] Lars Von Trier, Neil Gaiman, and graphic novels in general,[29] as well as The Game (1997), Seconds (1966),[25] Schindler's List (1993) and Being John Malkovich (1999).[24] Comparisons were made to Mulholland Drive (2001),[12] Saw (2004–present),[7] Naach (2004), The Matrix Reloaded (2003), Lost (2004–present) and music videos.[22] Critics variously identified it as a black comedy,[25][36] a neo-noir, a surreal film[12] or a thriller film.[36][40] The film paid homage to Bob Fosse, a "chain-smoking director-choreographer who went to an early grave."[25][38]

Commenting on the unfavourable reception, Kashyap stated that people would understand the film "after they get over the shock."[1] The film was honoured at the 2011 Indian Film Festival.[41] It has since gained a cult following.[lower-alpha 3]

Potential sequel[edit | edit source]

Abraham first expressed his interest in a sequel in 2013.[32] After Abraham reiterated his interest again in 2025, Kashyap said that he needs a thrilling, appropriate and unique subject matter to move forward with it.[31]

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Budget figure includes print and advertising costs[33]
  2. ↑ Attributed to multiple references[1][6][22][26][34]
  3. ↑ Attributed to multiple references[12][15][31][42][43]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 "The director's guide to No Smoking". Rediff.com. 30 October 2007. Archived from the original on 23 November 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  2. ↑ "Anurag Kashyap's 'No Smoking'". The Times of India. 10 February 2011. Archived from the original on 6 March 2026. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  3. ↑ "The Inspiration Behind Anurag Kashyap's Films". Rediff.com. 21 June 2012. Archived from the original on 30 January 2026. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Mazumdar, Shreyanka (29 June 2024). "Anurag Kashyap On Offering No Smoking To John Abraham: 'Usko Sab Log Achha Actor Nahi Bolte The...'". News18. Archived from the original on 2 November 2025. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  5. ↑ Aseem Chhabra (5 September 2011). "Anurag Kashyap: I loved No Smoking the most". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 8 November 2025. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Weissberg, Jay (6 November 2007). "No Smoking". Variety. Archived from the original on 2 March 2026. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Rathore, Tajpal (22 October 2007). "No Smoking (2007)". BBC Films. Archived from the original on 31 December 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  8. ↑ Gajjar, Manish (10 October 2007). "No Smoking". BBC. Archived from the original on 8 January 2026. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Saif and Bipasha: No butts please". The Times of India. 21 July 2007. Archived from the original on 28 December 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 N, Patcy (24 October 2007). "Our cinema is immature". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 23 November 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 Bhaskaran, Gautaman (4 November 2007). "No Smoking". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
  12. ↑ 12.00 12.01 12.02 12.03 12.04 12.05 12.06 12.07 12.08 12.09 12.10 12.11 Gajjar, Saloni (30 October 2025). "Bollywood's first Stephen King adaptation was so trippy it became its last". The A. V. Club. Archived from the original on 9 November 2025. Retrieved 13 February 2026.
  13. ↑ "Rajkumar Santoshi to act in No Smoking". India Fm. 31 October 2006. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  14. ↑ "One more smoking number from Bips". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 15 March 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "'Drishyam 2' Director Abhishek Pathak: 'No Smoking' Was Way Ahead Of Its Time". Outlook. 18 January 2024. Archived from the original on 7 December 2025. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 Matin, Zoeb (17 April 2023). "A Film Ahead Of Its Time: No Smoking". FilmCompanion. Archived from the original on 10 August 2025. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "No Smoking in Rome". Rediff.com. 25 October 2007. Archived from the original on 21 February 2026. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  18. ↑ N, Patcy (23 October 2007). "I am doing films that are more meaningful". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "John Abraham to do a nude scene for No Smoking". Bollywood Hungama. 19 October 2006. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  20. ↑ Tuteja, Joginder (8 October 2007). "No Smoking". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 2 March 2026. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 21.6 21.7 Prejo (26 July 2020). "No Smoking: Appreciating Anurag Kashyap's Psychological Thriller". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 28 July 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2026.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 Sen, Raja (15 November 2007). "Why Anurag Kashyap is like Bhansali". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 O'Neill, Phelim (26 October 2007). "No Smoking". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 February 2026. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Sinanan, Anil (5 November 2007). "No Smoking". The Times. Archived from the original on 27 November 2017. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 French, Philip (28 October 2007). "No Smoking". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 10 August 2025. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 "Biased criticism doesn't help: Anurag Kashyap". Hindustan Times. 30 October 2007. Archived from the original on 13 March 2014. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  27. ↑ "No Smoking Cast & Crew". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 23 January 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Sudhish Kamath (11 August 2012). "Gangs of Wasseypur - Gags of Wasseypur". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 13 August 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 29.5 29.6 Mirani, Indu (26 October 2007). "Kick Kashyap's butt". DNA India. Archived from the original on 2 March 2026. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Hegde, Prithviraj (26 October 2007). "What was the director smoking". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 23 November 2025. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 "Anurag Kashyap praises John Abraham's performance in 'The Diplomat', needs 'subject' for 'No Smoking 2'". The Hindu. 12 March 2025. Archived from the original on 14 January 2026. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "John Abraham, Anurag Kashyap team up for No Smoking 2". Hindustan Times. 6 March 2013. Archived from the original on 18 November 2017. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  33. ↑ "No Smoking". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 5 December 2025. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  34. ↑ Jha, Lata (27 October 2015). "Ten Bollywood directors who found success late". Mint. Archived from the original on 22 February 2025. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  35. ↑ "No Smoking". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on 2 March 2026. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 Masand, Rajeev (26 October 2007). "Review: No Smoking is a colossal disappointment". IBN Live. Archived from the original on 29 January 2009. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  37. ↑ "No Smoking". The Times of India. 27 October 2007. Archived from the original on 2 March 2026. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 Mohamed, Khalid (26 October 2007). "Review: No Smoking". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 16 November 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 39.3 39.4 39.5 39.6 39.7 Adarsh, Taran (26 October 2007). "No Smoking". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 40.3 40.4 40.5 40.6 Gajjar, Manish (21 December 2007). "No Smoking". BBC. Archived from the original on 21 December 2007. Retrieved 15 February 2026.
  41. ↑ "No Smoking wins awards at Indian Film Festival, China". Bollywood Hungama. 20 July 2011. Archived from the original on 16 December 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  42. ↑ Roychoudhury, Amborish (2018). In a Cult of Their Own: Bollywood Beyond Box Office. India: Rupa. ISBN 978-8129151353.
  43. ↑ Doshi, Tushar (7 August 2025). "Exclusive: John Abraham says he's been after Anurag Kashyap for No Smoking sequel". India Today. Archived from the original on 9 October 2025. Retrieved 19 January 2026.

External links[edit | edit source]

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