Anurag Kashyap Urges Theatres to Put Indian Films First, Not Hollywood

When you walk into a multiplex these days, chances are the biggest screen is flashing a Hollywood blockbuster while a home‑grown drama waits for a cramped corner. That mismatch, veteran director Anurag Kashyap told a gathering of filmmakers last week, is no accident – it’s a choice that needs to be re‑examined.

"We love good cinema, wherever it comes from," Kashyap began, pausing as the audience murmured in agreement. "But when a Hollywood release hogs ten screens in a city and an Indian film gets just two, the balance is clearly off." He cited recent examples where big‑budget foreign titles opened on the same day as Indian releases, squeezing out footfall and, ultimately, box‑office revenue for the latter.

According to Kashyap, the problem isn’t about censoring foreign content – it’s about fairness in screen allocation. "Theaters should think of Indian movies as the default, not the afterthought," he said, adding that a simple policy shift – like reserving a minimum percentage of screens for domestic releases during the first week – could make a huge difference.

He also reminded listeners of the resilience of Indian cinema. "Look at what ‘Pathaan’, ‘RRR’ and ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ achieved despite limited screens initially. Those stories broke barriers because people wanted to see them," Kashyap noted, his voice tinged with both pride and urgency.

Industry bodies, he suggested, need to step up. The Film Federation of India, producers’ associations, and even state governments could draft guidelines that prevent a Hollywood film from occupying the majority of prime slots when a local movie is premiering. "A collaborative approach will protect our storytellers and give audiences a true variety of choices," he argued.

Some critics might label his proposal as protectionist, but Kashyap brushed that off as a misunderstanding. "It’s not about shutting doors; it’s about opening them wide enough for everyone," he concluded, smiling. The sentiment was clear: Indian cinema, with its vibrant narratives and diverse voices, deserves a fair stage, and perhaps it’s time the lights shine brighter on it.