Richa Chadha Decries Monopoly Strangling Independent Films

In October 2025, Richa Chadha has come out in support of producers, responding to Karan Johar's remarks about not being able to make another film like 'Homebound' in the near future. The 'Homebound' producer had earlier stated that he might not be able to make a similar film again, as he now has to focus on profits after entering a partnership with businessman Adar Poonawalla.

Chadha addressed the challenges faced by independent films, citing high ticket prices, lack of screens, and the monopoly of a few players in the industry as the key factors. She explained that even though 'Homebound' received a 9-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025 and was selected as India's official entry to the Oscars in 2026, the film struggled at the box office due to these systemic issues.

The actress emphasized that each screen and show costs money, and exhibitors weigh that against the number of people buying tickets. She argued that the disappearance of single-screen theaters with affordable pricing over time has also contributed to the decline of independent films. Chadha's comments shed light on the broader challenges faced by the Indian film industry, where a few dominant players can make it increasingly difficult for smaller, critically acclaimed films to find commercial success.