New Delhi-based filmmaker Kanu Behl has raised serious concerns about the exhibition system in India after his critically-acclaimed feature film "Agra" faced significant screening challenges in multiplex chains. The director took to social media on Friday to reveal that his movie, which explores complex sexual dynamics within families, is being denied proper shows due to programming preferences for big-budget blockbusters.
The Multiplex Programming Crisis
In a detailed social media post on November 14, Behl expressed his frustration with the current multiplex chain programming system that systematically excludes smaller, content-driven films. The filmmaker explicitly stated that his movie is "being denied shows because of the so called 'big blockbusters' and because small films 'don't fit into' multiplex chain programming."
Behl didn't mince words when describing the situation, emphasizing that this pattern threatens the diversity of Indian cinema. He warned audiences that if they don't speak up, "the space for anything else other than mindless 'infantilised cinema' will disappear." The director made a direct appeal to cinephiles to demand screenings from multiplex chains through social media campaigns.
International Acclaim vs Domestic Neglect
What makes this situation particularly striking is the film's impressive international pedigree. "Agra" had its world premiere at the prestigious Directors' Fortnight, an independent section at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. The film's journey didn't stop there - it accumulated multiple honors across global platforms.
The film's award credentials include:
- Special Jury Award at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival
- Best Indie Film and Best Actor at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
- Best Film and Best Actor at the 2024 New York Indian Film Festival
Despite this remarkable international recognition, the film struggled to find adequate screening space in its home country. Co-written by Behl and Atika Chohan, "Agra" explores sexual dynamics within a family and societal fractures in contemporary India. The film represents an Indo-French co-production between Saregama India Ltd, UFO Production and O28 Films.
A Pattern of Systemic Exclusion
This isn't the first time Behl has faced challenges with the Indian exhibition system. "Agra" marks Behl's second feature after "Titli" (2015), which also premiered at Cannes. The recurrence of such issues suggests a systemic problem in how multiplex chains program their screens, consistently favoring commercial blockbusters over critically-acclaimed independent cinema.
The timing of Behl's revelation is crucial - the film officially released in theatres on Friday, the same day he made his social media appeal. This indicates that despite the film's availability, multiplex chains are not providing adequate screening opportunities, effectively limiting audience access to meaningful cinema.
The situation raises important questions about the future of diverse storytelling in Indian cinema and whether the current exhibition model adequately serves the artistic community and audiences seeking content beyond mainstream entertainment.
