Mumbai’s Vile Parle Cypher Gives Unheard Rappers a Platform Through ‘Unreleased’

Mumbai, 1st September 2026: In the packed lanes of Mumbai, a grassroots hip-hop movement is providing a platform for aspiring and unheard voices. The Vile Parle Cypher, a community of rappers and hip-hop enthusiasts, is now the subject of a documentary titled Unreleased, which explores the stories, struggles and aspirations behind the performers.

Directed by Mumbai-based filmmaker Imran Shamsi, Unreleased follows the journey of rappers who gather at Dubhashi Ground in Vile Parle every Saturday evening. The documentary highlights how people from diverse and often economically disadvantaged backgrounds use rap as a medium to express their emotions, experiences and everyday struggles.

The Vile Parle Cypher was founded by Kuldeep Jaswant Singh Chandaliya, popularly known by his stage name Deep/Psy. The initiative began after its founders felt that emerging artists were often overlooked at other rap sessions across Mumbai.

“We began this cypher because whenever we attended sessions across the city, we didn’t get priority. Our videos wouldn’t be recorded or posted. So, we decided to start something of our own,” Kuldeep said.

Since its inception, around 70 cypher sessions have been organised, attracting participants not only from Mumbai but also from distant places including Assam and Nepal. Performances are often recorded on smartphones and shared through the collective’s social media platforms.

According to filmmaker Imran Shamsi, he initially visited the cypher intending to create a short social media video. However, the energy and honesty of the performers inspired him to document their stories in greater detail.

Unlike conventional rap focused on glamour and success, many performers at the Vile Parle Cypher use their lyrics to speak about personal struggles, financial hardships, family, inequality and social issues.

The documentary also explores the importance of identity within the hip-hop community. Several rappers identify themselves through the pin codes of their neighbourhoods, representing their localities rather than being defined by religion, caste or profession.

A deeply personal aspect of Unreleased follows founder Kuldeep’s life and his relationship with his mother, who was battling serious health issues during the filming of the documentary. His mother passed away shortly before the documentary’s release.

The film’s title, Unreleased, carries a deeper meaning beyond unfinished music. It represents voices that have long remained unheard.

Unreleased was released on YouTube in August and is expected to be screened at more events in the coming months, bringing further attention to Mumbai’s growing underground hip-hop community.