Kanu Behl’s upcoming film Agra has found itself in an uphill battle just days before release, as the director publicly revealed that the movie is struggling to secure screen space in multiplexes across the country. Behl shared his concerns on X (formerly Twitter), expressing disappointment that major theatre chains are prioritising high-budget commercial films, leaving little to no room for smaller, independently produced titles.

This revelation has sparked a conversation about the persistent imbalance in India’s theatrical ecosystem.

© Instagram/Kanu Behl

In his post, Behl wrote, “Update on Agra, the film: We’re being denied shows because of the so called ‘big blockbusters’ and because small films ‘don’t fit into’ multiplex chain programming. It’s up to you the audience now! Speak up and tag the chains. Say that you want to see the film!" His appeal highlights how the survival of indie cinema often depends on audience mobilisation rather than industry support.

Update on ‘Agra’, the film: We’re being denied shows because of the so called ‘big blockbusters’ and because small films ‘don’t fit into’ multiplex chain programming. It’s up to you the audience now! Speak up and tag the chains. Say that you want to see the film!

— Kanu Behl (@KanuBehl) November 13, 2025

The director’s message quickly drew reactions from notable voices in the film industry. Manoj Bajpayee, known for consistently backing independent cinema, responded empathetically to Behl’s concerns. The actor wrote, “It has been so long fighting this battle, and indie makers and their art often get overlooked in the wider cinema space. Keep at it, Kanu; your effort truly matters. Everyone should come forward and support small meaningful cinema by asking their theatres to give these films a fair chance." His words underscored a long-standing struggle that many filmmakers face while trying to release unconventional, low-budget films.

It has been so long fighting this battle, and indie makers and their art often get overlooked in the wider cinema space. Keep at it, Kanu, your effort truly matters. Everyone should come forward and support small meaningful cinema by asking their theatres to give these films a… https://t.co/geVi93cSNv

— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) November 14, 2025

In reply, Behl acknowledged the veteran actor’s support and added, “Thank you sir, it’s surprising how endless this battle is. You’ve been fighting for years. And now it continues for us. Like nothing ever changes." The sentiment was echoed by actor Saiyami Kher, who also reacted to Behl’s post, writing, “This is really sad and I wish this changes for everyone who says we want to watch good cinema. @KanuBehl thanks for still fighting the good fight."

Thank you sir 🙏 it’s surprising how endless this battle is. You’ve been fighting for years. And now it continues for us. Like nothing ever changes.

— Kanu Behl (@KanuBehl) November 14, 2025

Despite the current challenges, Agra has already received international recognition. The film premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival in the Directors’ Fortnight section, where it was appreciated for its bold treatment and distinctive narrative voice.

Exploring “the side of Agra you’ve never seen," the film dives into themes of desire, masculinity and claustrophobic domestic environments. Although it was scheduled to release today, its theatrical prospects have been restricted due to major films like Ajay Devgn and R Madhavan’s De De Pyaar De 2 dominating screens nationwide.