Indie Filmmakers Revolt: Exposing the 'Movie Mafia' Stranglehold

In November 2025, independent filmmakers in India are facing a growing crisis, with their work being sidelined by a powerful "movie mafia" that controls the industry. Anuparna Roy, a debut filmmaker whose feature "Songs of Forgotten Trees" won the Best Director award at the 82nd Venice Film Festival last year, has spoken out about the challenges facing indie cinema in the country.

Anuparna explains that unless a film has a budget of at least 80 crore rupees, it has no chance of securing a theatrical release in Mumbai or most parts of India. She cites the struggles of other acclaimed indie films like "Nishanchi," "Savar Bonda," and her own work, which have "no place in the hall" due to the stranglehold of the "movie mafia."

Frustrated by the lack of opportunities for emerging voices, Anuparna and other young filmmakers have issued an open letter, determined to push back against the systemic barriers they face. Anuparna rejects the mainstream versus indie labels, arguing that the resonance of a story should be the sole criteria for a film's success, not its budget or star power.

Undeterred, Anuparna is prepared to take her films directly to rural audiences, even if it means screening them for just 10 rupees. She believes this is the way forward for independent filmmakers, who must unite to fight for their work to be seen and appreciated.