'Agra' releasing after 2yrs, director Kanu Behl requests government support
14 Oct 2025

Kanu Behl, the director of Agra, has called for government support to help independent films thrive in India.

The film, which stars Rahul Roy, Priyanka Bose, and Mohit Agarwal, finally secured its Indian theatrical release on November 14 after a long struggle to find a distributor.

Despite its critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival 2023, Behl faced challenges in getting the film released domestically.

Finding distributor 'was such a long and hard battle'
Distribution challenges

Behl revealed that finding a distributor who believed in the story was a major hurdle.

He told mid-day, "It was such a long and hard battle. We all know the state of independent cinema now."

"To finally get here where the film will meet its real audience is an indescribable feeling of joy."

Eventually, Saregama Films agreed to distribute Agra.

Government should step in, mandate screens for festival films: Behl
Government intervention

Behl believes that the government should play a role in promoting independent films. He suggested that the top five or 10 films from festivals should receive government support.

"There must be a quality check. If a film clears that, the government must mandate a certain number of screens for its release."

"It also needs to give tax breaks so that the audience has an incentive to watch that film as opposed to the next blockbuster playing in the next screen."

Will this wave of indie films sustain?
Sustainable future

Agra's release follows a wave of independent films like Jugnuma and Sabar Bonda. Behl expressed hope that this trend marks a shift in the industry.

However, he also voiced concerns about the sustainability of this change, citing his experience with Titli (2014) when many independent voices emerged but soon faded away.

He stressed the need to create a system that supports independent films in India.