'Agra' Faces Show Denial Amidst Blockbuster Dominance, Director Kanu Behl Speaks Out

Kanu Behl, the director of the critically acclaimed film 'Agra', has voiced his frustration over the limited screen space being offered to his film in Indian multiplexes. Behl alleges that "so-called 'big blockbusters'" are dominating cinema programming, making it difficult for smaller, independent films like 'Agra' to find an audience.

"We're being denied shows because of the so-called 'big blockbusters' and because small films 'don't fit into' multiplex chain programming," Behl stated on X (formerly Twitter). He is now calling upon audiences to speak up and demand to see the film in theaters.

'Agra', which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, explores themes of sexual repression and the impact of physical spaces on our desires. Behl describes it as a film about sexuality and sexual repression, highlighting how living spaces affect our sexual lives. He emphasizes the film's focus on desire and the human condition at its core. The film stars Mohit Agarwal, Priyanka Bose, and Rahul Roy.

Behl has been clear about the kind of cinema he wants to create, aiming for honest and courageous portrayals of life. He contrasts this with what he calls the "stupid, infantilised, Disney-ised version of Bollywood". According to Behl, his films reflect the realities he observes around him in the most human way possible. He poses a question, "If the film is difficult to look at, imagine what real lives are like then?".

The director hopes that 'Agra' will remain in theaters long enough for audiences to discover it amidst the sea of mainstream Bollywood releases. In an interview with NDTV, Behl expressed the need to expand and sensitize the audience to films that offer more than just "Disney-fied Class 3-4 Bollywood films".

Behl believes independent cinema is facing increasingly difficult circumstances. He observes that the "capitalism and the roses around it that were shown to us are wilting, and the system is crumbling, and within the ruins of that, the first people to begin seeing large blocks of stone fall on their heads are the artistes". He also noted the increasing corporatization of streaming platforms, making it tougher for filmmakers to find collaborators who agree with their vision.

Behl also suggests the government should support independent films by mandating a certain number of screens for their release and offering tax breaks to incentivize audiences. He stressed the need to create a system that supports independent films in India.

'Agra' took nearly a decade to reach Indian viewers, and Behl hopes it will spark conversations about sexuality. Despite the challenges, Behl remains hopeful that his film will connect with audiences who are looking for courageous and honest storytelling. He describes 'Agra' as a film made with a lot of love.

Kanu Behl's film 'Agra' was released on November 14.