Indie Filmmakers Demand Fair Access for Their Films in India

On November 18, 2025, a collective of 46 independent filmmakers in India released a joint statement addressing the systemic challenges faced by their community in securing fair exhibition opportunities for their work. The statement was prompted by the limited release of Kanu Behl's film 'Agra', which has struggled to find widespread theatrical screenings despite receiving international acclaim and recognition.

The filmmakers argue that while Indian independent films have been celebrated globally for their artistic merit, they continue to face significant hurdles in reaching domestic audiences. The statement highlights the shrinking space for such films within India's mainstream cinema landscape, as well as the growing reliance of OTT platforms on a film's theatrical performance as a prerequisite for acquisition.

According to the filmmakers, this creates a "closed-loop ecosystem" where independent productions are expected to "prove" themselves in theaters, even as they are denied adequate access to those very platforms. The statement emphasizes that this is an unsustainable situation that is "shrinking India's cultural space" and "eliminating entire generations of independent filmmakers."

The filmmakers are not demanding exceptional treatment, but rather calling for reforms to ensure that Indian audiences have the opportunity to discover a diverse range of homegrown films. They argue that this is a matter of fair access and the right of the public to engage with the country's cinematic offerings.