Kanu Behl’s Agra released in theatres today after facing several hurdles with the CBFC, yet the battle is far from over. He shared on X that major theatre chains are denying shows to his film because small films do not fit into multiplex programming.
He said these theatres mainly reserve screens for big commercial releases, leaving no room for an indie project like his. He even posted screenshots from booking apps that showed Agra receiving barely any shows, often limited to a single odd timing in many areas.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee responded with support, saying that this struggle has been ongoing and that independent filmmakers are often ignored. He encouraged Kanu to continue creating meaningful cinema and urged viewers to request local theatres to provide fair show timings.
Large chains usually prioritise high-budget films with big marketing pushes. Indie filmmakers, who work with limited promotion, rarely get an equal chance because their films are not given space to compete on the same level.
Some theatres even leave screens empty instead of supporting small films. This cycle harms independent cinema, as poor box office numbers are blamed on the films rather than the lack of opportunities. Speaking up and calling out the system is the only way forward.
