Indie Filmmaker Kanu Behl Fights Multiplex Monopoly, Secures More Screens for His Film Agra

On November 13, 2025, independent filmmaker Kanu Behl took to social media to voice his frustration over the limited theatrical release of his film Agra. Behl revealed that his film was initially denied shows in favor of "big blockbusters," with Agra only securing 4 shows across 3 cinemas in Mumbai on its release day of November 14.

Behl's vocal campaign, however, soon garnered support from industry peers like Manoj Bajpayee, Saiyami Kher, and Sudhir Mishra. By November 15, just two days after Behl's initial post, Agra's theatrical footprint in Mumbai had expanded to 9 cinemas.

While this was a victory for Behl and his team, the filmmaker emphasized that the battle is far from over. He pointed to the "monopoly" of major multiplex chains, which often prioritize big-budget releases over smaller, independent films. Behl argued that the industry needs to provide a platform for diverse cinematic voices, stating, "We are not asking for 1000 screens or even 500 screens. We are only asking for 100 good screens."

The challenges faced by Agra are not unique, as Behl noted similar issues experienced by other independent films like All We Imagine As Light and Homebound. He called for a collective effort by the independent filmmaking community to raise their voices and demand a more equitable distribution of theatrical space.