Anurag Kashyap is not one to stay silent when something doesn’t sit right, and right now, it’s the way theatres are treating Indian films. The acclaimed director, who recently earned praise for his film ‘Bandar’, took to Instagram to call out the unfair advantage given to Hollywood’s ‘Obsession’ over homegrown releases.
The show timing showdown
In a series of Instagram stories, Kashyap expressed his frustration while apparently in Bengaluru. He pointed out how ‘Obsession’, the Hollywood horror flick, is grabbing the best show timings, leaving Indian films like ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, ‘Bandar’, ‘Governor’, and ‘Sing Gheetam’ with the short end of the stick. He wrote, ‘I totally understand that everyone wants to see OBSESSION, but it can still run longer with lesser shows. If we don’t prioritise our own films with better showcasing then I don’t understand how will we grow.’
Kashyap shared specific examples from Bengaluru, where ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ and ‘Governor’ are reportedly stuck with just one morning show each, while ‘Sing Gheetam’ has zero shows in the city. Meanwhile, ‘Obsession’ is running in six to seven shows per theatre. The filmmaker’s post has sparked a conversation among fans and industry insiders about the need for better support for Indian cinema.
The box office battle
The Indian box office is currently a battlefield, with as many as 14 films vying for audience attention. Alongside Kashyap’s ‘Bandar’, other releases like ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, ‘Bharat Bhaagya Viddhaata’, ‘Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past’, and ‘Heer Sara’ are struggling to find their footing. Last week’s holdovers like ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ and ‘Masters of the Universe’ are also in the mix.
‘Bandar’, which tells the story of a struggling actor-musician accused of rape, has collected around Rs 4 crores in its first week. On the other hand, ‘Obsession’—a horror film about a boy whose wish for his crush to love him unconditionally turns terrifying—has been a massive hit, raking in over Rs 60 crores in India alone. Industry sources suggest that the disparity in show timings is a major factor in this box office gap.
Fans and industry react
Kashyap’s comments have ignited a debate online, with many fans agreeing that Indian films deserve better treatment. Some have pointed out that Hollywood films often get prime evening and night shows, while homegrown content is relegated to morning slots. Others argue that audience demand drives show timings, but Kashyap’s point about giving Indian films a fighting chance has resonated.
As the battle for screens continues, it remains to be seen whether theatres will rethink their scheduling. For now, Kashyap’s voice adds to the growing chorus of filmmakers demanding a level playing field for Indian cinema. Fans are hoping that this conversation leads to real change, so films like ‘Bandar’ and ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ get the visibility they deserve.