Kanu Behl’s Agra denied shows: 46 indie filmmakers demand fair access to theaters
After Kanu Bahl’s latest release ‘Agra’ received limited screenings, a joint statement of 46 independent filmmakers was issued criticizing India’s theatrical and OTT systems.
A group of 46 independent filmmakers have issued a joint statement expressing concern over the systemic barriers in India’s theatrical and OTT exhibition landscape. The statement was issued after filmmaker Kanu Bahl’s film ‘Agra’ was denied wide cinema screening after its limited release in India on November 14. Filmmakers are demanding ‘fair access’ for independent productions, citing increasing difficulties in securing screen time and visibility for their films.
Kanu Bahl shared the joint statement on Instagram, highlighting the issues of fair access and exhibition inequality faced by independent cinema in the country. The statement noted that while Indian independent films have received global recognition, they face significant challenges in the domestic market.
The statement said: “They are celebrated globally for their honesty, courage and craft. And yet, within India, these films continue to compete merely for views. This reality has increasingly resurfaced.” Agra limited release, directed by Kanu Behl. Internationally acclaimed, awarded at festivals and embraced by cinephiles, the film is struggling to secure fair and accessible showtimes at multiplexes despite significant audience interest, extensive media coverage and organic buzz. But this is not about a movie.”
Take a look at the statement here:
The filmmakers argue that The difficulties of ‘Agra’ are widely reflected, Long-standing systemic issues are affecting small and medium budget films in many languages. The joint statement emphasizes that the problem extends beyond a single production and affects the entire independent film community in India. It also highlights the diminishing space for such films in the country’s mainstream cinema landscape.
An additional concern raised in the statement is the increasing reliance of OTT platforms on the theatrical release of the film as a condition for acquisition. According to filmmakers, this creates a cycle where films unable to secure adequate theatrical releases are subsequently denied opportunities on digital platforms.
The statement elaborated: “This creates a closed-loop ecosystem where independent films are asked to “prove” themselves in theaters, while simultaneously being denied theatrical access. This is not sustainable. It is shrinking India’s cultural space. It is eradicating entire generations of independent filmmakers. We are not demanding exceptional treatment. We are demanding fair access for Indian audiences to discover Indian films (sic) Are.”
Directed by Kanu Bahl, ‘Agra’ stars Mohit Aggarwal, Priyanka Bose, Ruhani Sharma and Rahul Roy. The film has received international acclaim and is jointly produced by Saregama India Limited, UFO Productions and O28 Films.
The joint statement from independent filmmakers called for reforms to ensure that Indian audiences have the opportunity to access diverse films.
