Behl, frustrated by the lack of adequate show slots, publicly criticised multiplex programming that prioritises large studio films. He urged viewers to demand screenings by tagging major cinema chains, saying the fate of independent films now depends largely on audience intervention.
The appeal drew strong backing from industry voices. Actor Manoj Bajpayee, in a post on X, highlighted the structural challenges that routinely marginalise indie cinema. “Indie makers and their art often get overlooked in the wider cinema space. Keep at it, Kanu, your effort truly matters,” he wrote, calling on audiences to support meaningful, small-scale filmmaking.
The issue escalated when 46 independent filmmakers released a joint statement condemning “exhibition inequity” in both theatrical and OTT distribution. The signatories argued that despite international acclaim, films like Agra struggle for visibility due to systemic barriers that favour mainstream productions.
Agra’s challenges extend beyond theatre access. The film earlier faced censorship delays after the Central Board of Film Certification demanded cuts to scenes involving frontal nudity and explicit content. It received an ‘A’ certificate in May 2024, months after initial submissions, contributing to its pushed-back release date.
As the debate intensifies, independent filmmakers warn that limited access threatens the diversity of Indian cinema. The ongoing struggle raises a critical question: in a marketplace dominated by blockbusters, can smaller films survive without structural reform and stronger public support?
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