Director Anurag Kashyap has criticized cinemas for giving Hollywood film ‘Obsession’ better show times than Hindi films like ‘Bandar’ and ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’. On his Instagram account, he wondered how Indian cinema could grow without proper screen support. ‘Obsession’ has collected over Rs 60 crore in India while ‘Bandar’ has collected Rs 4 crore.
The Indian box office is currently witnessing a fierce battle for screens, with as many as 14 films competing for audience attention at the same time. Imtiaz Ali’s recent films include ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, ‘Bharat Bhaagya Viddhaata’, ‘Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past’, ‘Heer Sara’, ‘Disclosure Day’, ‘Governor’ and ‘Backrooms’, while last week ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’, ‘Bandar’ and ‘Masters of the Universe’ were released in theatres.
Anurag Kashyap He criticizes theaters for prioritizing ‘mania’ over Hindi films
Anurag Kashyap, who received widespread acclaim for his film ‘Bandar’, is not at all happy with the current box office situation. The director took to his Instagram Stories to express his frustration, noting that “Obsession,” a hugely successful Hollywood blockbuster, continues to get the best timing in theaters while local films are left struggling to get scraps. Kashyap, who seems to be in Bengaluru at the moment, expressed his displeasure very clearly through his post.
He wrote: “I completely understand that everyone wants to watch OBSESSION, but it can still last longer with fewer showings. If we don’t prioritize our own films with better exposure, we don’t understand how we will grow. Last week it was with BANDAR, this week with MAIN VAPIS AUNGA, SING GHEETAM and GOVERNER. We have one morning showing of MVA and may be another in some cinemas and same with GOVERNER and no showing of SING (GHEETAM in Bengaluru).
While OBSESION is present in 6-7 shows.
All about “Bender” and “Mania”
“Bender” grossed around Rs 4 crore in its first week. The film tells the story of an actor and musician who finds himself accused of rape by a woman, even as he insists that their encounters were completely consensual. “Obsession,” on the other hand, is a horror film centered around a boy whose wish to be loved unconditionally by his crush comes true in the most horrifying ways imaginable. The Hollywood film has had impressive success at the Indian box office, having already grossed over Rs 60 crore in the country alone.
