About 46 independent Indian filmmakers have come together to release a joint statement about the fate of small- and mid-budget independent films in India. This move comes days after the release of Agra, and after the film's director, Kanu Behl, revealed that his critically acclaimed film, which travelled through multiple film circuits, was denied shows. The statement signed by filmmakers such as Nandita Das, Vasan Bala, Payal Kapadia, and Varun Grover Honey Trehan, among others, is critical of the theatrical and OTT systems in India.

The statement underscores how independent filmmakers have brought international recognition to the country by showcasing their work at major film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Sundance, Locarno, Rotterdam, and Busan — yet continue to struggle for visibility at home. The issue has come back into focus with the restricted release of Agra.

Filmmakers pointed out the long-standing practice of limiting films like Agra to sparse showtimes, with morning or weekend-only screenings, frequent cancellations, and other constraints. They also criticised OTT platforms for insisting that such films “prove themselves” in theatres before being considered for digital release.

The statement ultimately calls for fairer showtimes, programming transparency, dedicated cycles to showcase independent cinema, greater support from both public and private exhibitors, and parity in OTT acquisitions.

Sharing the statement on Instagram, Kanu Behl wrote in the caption, "A Joint Statement from India’s Independent Filmmakers. Time to speak up! If we choose not to from here, then we will all be responsible for the collective erasure. Share widely and amplify."

Previously, Kanu shared a note on social media on Friday, saying Agra is being denied adequate screens because “small films don’t fit into multiplex chain programming.” Written by Behl and Atika Chohan, the film examines the intricate layers of sexuality within a family and a society struggling with shrinking personal and social spaces. It hit theatres on Friday.

The film stars debutant Mohit Agarwal, Priyanka Bose, Rahul Roy and Vibha Chibber in pivotal roles. Agra is produced by Vikram Mehra, Siddarth Anand Kumar, William Jéhannin and Kanu Behl. The film premiered at Directors’ Fortnight, the independent section of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, and has since collected several accolades, including the Special Jury Award at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, Best Indie Film and Best Actor at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, and Best Film, along with Best Actor at the 2024 New York Indian Film Festival.