Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has publicly criticized Indian exhibitors for prioritizing Hollywood horror blockbuster Obsession over domestic releases, warning that Indian cinema “won’t grow” without better showcasing.
What Kashyap Said
In a strongly worded Instagram Story on Saturday, June 14, 2026, Kashyap 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”.
He noted the issue affected his own film Bandar last week, and is now impacting new releases including Imtiaz Ali’s Main Vaapas Aaunga, Manoj Bajpayee-starrer Governor, and Telugu film Sing Geetham.
“Last week it was with Bandar, this week with Main Vaapas Aaunga, Sing Geetham and Governor… while Obsession is in 6-7 shows,” he added.
The Screen Count Problem
Kashyap, posting from Bengaluru, pointed out the disparity: Main Vaapas Aaunga and Governor had only one morning show each in some cinemas, while Sing Geetham had no shows in Bengaluru at all. Meanwhile, Obsession was playing 6-7 shows daily in the same theatres.
Box Office Context: 14 Films Competing
The comments come during an unusually crowded box office week. As many as 14 films are competing for screens, including Main Vaapas Aaunga, Bharat Bhaagya Viddhaata, Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past, Heer Sara, Disclosure Day, Governor, and Backrooms, plus holdovers like Bandar, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, and Masters of the Universe.
Despite critical praise, Bandar — starring Bobby Deol — earned only ₹4 crore in its first week. Obsession, directed by Curry Barker and starring Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette, has grossed over ₹60 crore in India and $224.7 million worldwide.
The Larger Debate: Visibility vs Demand
Kashyap clarified his concern wasn’t Obsession’s popularity but the “lack of adequate showcasing for domestic releases”. Industry observers note multiplexes often allot screens based on occupancy — films with strong footfalls get more shows, while underperformers lose visibility fast.
Kashyap’s Bandar centers on a struggling actor-musician accused of assault. Obsession follows a shy music store employee whose wish for his crush to love him triggers disturbing events.