Indian actress and producer Huma Qureshi has expressed deep disappointment over the limited theatrical release of her recent film Single Salma, which received only about 200 screens across the country despite its critical acclaim.
The Heartbreaking Reality of Single Salma's Release
Speaking at the 10th edition of Expresso, Qureshi revealed the shocking details of how her film struggled to find screens in theaters. Single Salma was released on October 31, but according to the actress, very few people actually got the opportunity to watch it in cinemas.
"In Andheri, closer to where I live, there was just one show at Rs 250 per ticket at 4:30 pm," Qureshi shared emotionally. "It really broke my heart when I saw that, but there is only that much you can do when the ship has sailed."
Bigger Problem Facing Independent Cinema
Qureshi's experience mirrors the recent controversy surrounding Kanu Behl's critically acclaimed film Agra, which also faced similar screen allocation issues. Several filmmakers recently released a joint statement calling for fair and equal opportunities for independent films to be showcased properly in cinemas nationwide.
The actress pointed out that Single Salma received no marketing spend or promotion, with producers assuming it would eventually move to streaming platforms. "There was no real buzz or conversation around it because there was a belief that now it will come on a streamer, so there was no point in it," she explained.
Impact on Film Industry and Future Talent
Qureshi expressed serious concerns about how this trend affects the entire film ecosystem. "If this is happening with me, can you imagine, if a young person wants to be a director, producer, or actor in the Hindi film business, what opportunities or options do they really have? Not very many," she stated.
The actress also highlighted the trickle-down effect on industry workers, noting that film production has dropped by half compared to previous years. While this doesn't affect established stars like herself, it significantly impacts daily wage laborers who depend on regular film work.
Qureshi emphasized that small and mid-size films are crucial for sustaining the film business long-term, contrary to the current focus on big blockbusters. "The big machismo and the blockbusters are not going to sustain the business; it's the small and mid-size films that always have and will always keep the business going," she argued.
The actress also mentioned her festival film Bayaan, which faces similar challenges in finding proper distribution. She called for industry stakeholders to align and create sustainable solutions that support diverse storytelling in Indian cinema.
