Anurag Kashyap Criticizes Theaters For Cutting Shows Of Smaller Hindi Films

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has criticized the Indian theatrical ecosystem in Mumbai for limiting the screen space and show timings of smaller-budget Hindi films. Speaking in a recent interview, Kashyap warned that the industry's current focus on high-budget "event" movies is unsustainable, predicting that multiple expensive films will fail for every single blockbuster success.

Kashyap highlighted recent releases like 'Bandar' and Imtiaz Ali's 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' as direct victims of this theatrical model. According to the filmmaker, these smaller films are being bled dry of screens and favorable showtimes. Meanwhile, Hollywood releases like 'Obsession' continue to receive significantly better showcasing in Indian theaters.

The director argued that the industry's fixation on massive event movies is creating a self-defeating cycle. He cited the Ranveer Singh-starrer 'Dhurandhar' as a rare example of an event movie that successfully justifies its large budget. However, he warned that "for every Dhurandhar, five expensive films will bomb" under the current system.

According to Kashyap, this restrictive theater-allocation system prevents crucial word-of-mouth publicity from building for smaller, independent films. As a result, audiences are steadily being pushed toward watching content on Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming platforms rather than visiting cinemas. Kashyap also expressed his frustration and anger towards fans who claim to love his films on OTT but never show up to support them in theatres during their theatrical runs.

Reflecting on his past experiences in the industry, Kashyap recalled the release of his 2014 film 'Ugly'. At the time, fellow filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani, Aamir Khan, and producer Siddharth Roy Kapur personally intervened to ensure 'Ugly' was allocated three daily shows alongside the blockbuster 'PK'. Kashyap lamented that such professional solidarity and mutual support no longer exists in the current film industry.