Mumbai, Oct 9 – Actress Richa Chadha, who’s just finished shooting Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, wrote a long post on X (formerly Twitter) that hits right on the pain point of Indian independent cinema – fewer screens for meaningful films.
Chadha explained how the industry puts a premium on blockbuster releases, leaving smaller, artist‑driven movies with almost no theatrical slots. Even when a film earns international praise, the producers still worry about getting enough venues to play the picture.
She used Homebound as an example. The drama, backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, turned out to be a box‑office ghost. Despite a strong marketing push, the movie faced a severe shortage of footfall. One viewer complained on X, “It’s a bummer. I wanted to see Homebound but the studio barely gave it screen time.”
In reply, Chadha noted that Homebound got more shows only because of its big‑name backing. She compared it to Masaan, which got significantly fewer screenings. “Every show costs money,” she said. “Exhibitors look at how many tickets they can sell – not just awards or reviews.”
Ticket prices are another hurdle. Affordable single‑screen theaters have vanished, pushing audiences away. High costs and limited slots mean producers remain in the red long after awards come in and actors move on to bigger projects.
Richa Chadha’s message is clear: the survival of independent films hinges on expanding screen access and lowering ticket prices. Without more screens and affordable pricing, India’s creative movies risk fading into the shadows.
Source: ianslive
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