Overview
- Kanu Behl’s Cannes-selected Agra secured very limited Indian shows after its Nov. 14 release, with BookMyShow listing 12 screenings in Delhi-NCR and 7 in Mumbai versus about 2,400 for De De Pyaar De 2 across the same cities on Nov. 18.
- A joint statement signed by 46 indie filmmakers, including Payal Kapadia, Nandita Das, Rima Das, Vasan Bala and Varun Grover, publicly alleged systemic exhibition bias against independent cinema.
- The coalition’s demands include at least one post‑6 p.m. show for every indie release, transparent criteria for screen allocation, regular indie showcase cycles, public‑private exhibition support, and OTT acquisition parity.
- Multiplex Association of India president Kamal Gianchandani said show allocation is decided independently by exhibitors based on audience demand and is a dynamic process, offering no specific commitments in response to the appeal.
- Filmmakers say OTT platforms now tie acquisitions to box‑office results, creating a closed loop that disadvantages indies, and they are moving to form a formal body to negotiate minimum rights and structural reforms.