In a recent discussion, Suparn Varma, the director of the film Haq, shared his insights into why audiences are increasingly avoiding theaters. The conversation took place during a roundtable discussion with fellow filmmakers Neeraj Ghaywan, Anurag Basu, Arati Kadav, and Reema Kagti, where they addressed the evolving challenges of filmmaking in the current environment.

Varma pointed out that a significant portion of the population does not have the financial means to regularly visit cinemas. He stated that only about 25% of the audience can afford to go to theaters. He believes that filmmakers are not catering to those who cannot afford it.

Expanding on the financial aspect, Varma highlighted the discrepancy between production costs and ticket prices. He explained that while the cost of producing a film might be relatively low, distributors often sell it at a much higher price. He gave an example, "if I create this plate (for instance) for 5 rupees, I will sell it for 50. If I produce this plate for 500, I will sell it for 5000". This markup makes it difficult for a large segment of the population to afford movie tickets. He added that audiences don't perceive low-budget films as such, as they still end up paying a substantial amount for the tickets.

Varma believes that until this gap between the cost of production and the price of tickets is addressed, a significant portion of the population will not be able to afford going to the cinema. He contrasts this with other consumer products, where prices are more aligned with production costs, making them accessible to a wider audience. He argues that films do not follow suit, creating a barrier for those unwilling to pay high prices, especially when they feel the film doesn't justify the cost.

Furthermore, Varma expressed his concern that a large percentage of India's population, perhaps 80% to 85%, is not actively watching films in theaters. He suggests that making films available on accessible platforms is crucial to reach a wider audience.

Varma's film, Haq, starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam, has garnered attention for addressing women's rights and maintenance laws in India. Varma described Haq as a "progressive film". The film is based on the 1985 Supreme Court judgement in the Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum case.