Filmmaker Vinod Kapri has alleged that theatre owners and distributors sharply reduced the number of shows for his film ‘Pyre’ after the release of ‘Ramayana’. In an emotional video message, he said smaller films are not being given a chance, even when their screenings are doing well and audiences are showing up.
Vinod Kapri’s emotional appeal on Instagram
Disappointed by the sudden drop in screenings despite good word of mouth and audience demand, Vinod Kapri shared his frustration on Instagram. He did not name the film, but his remarks appeared to be aimed at the makers and distributors of ‘Ramayana’. He also questioned their commitment to truth and goodness, themes that have been promoted around the big release, and posted screenshots showing fewer shows across several cities.Speaking in Hindi, he said, “Namaste dosto! Happy Diwali to y’all. I didn’t want to make this video, but I had to due to helplessness. The reason behind it is that when our film Pyre released, we consciously kept a very limited release. We kept just about 80 shows. But due to good word of mouth, our film gained over 400 shows in just 2-4 days of its release.”
Vinod Kapri says over 75% of shows allegedly cut
Vinod Kapri claimed that the situation turned within days. He alleged, “However, from the past two days, I can see that over 75% of our shows have been cut down. It has reduced to less than 100 shows. We are told by the theatre owners as well as distributors that they have been told that no other film will be screened.”He also asked why one film must be shut down to make room for another. “I do not understand why do you have to shut one film to make way for your own. Is this really the win of truth over lies? Is this the victory of good over evil? What did you get by harming our small film which is made on a modest budget of Rs 2.5 crore and stars non-actors? A movie that’s making people break down in theatres,” he said.
Vinod Kapri’s appeal for a fair chance
The director urged exhibitors and distributors not to deny his film its due. “If you have invested a lot of money in making your film, we too have poured in all our heart and soul in making this film. We too deserve a fair chance. Please don’t do this injustice. This is just not done,” he added.
Vinod Kapri says Delhi shows fall from 66 to 16
In later posts, Kapri shared screenshots to show the drop. One was a screen recording from the BookMyShow app showing the film’s listings in Delhi. He wrote, “From 66 shows a day in Delhi to just 16.”He added, “Despite the Chhoti Diwali holiday, despite all the arm-twisting, one thing remains certain: Amma-Bubu’s love story is not going to bend down. We will fight back. We will bounce back. Because this film belongs to its audiences, and their love is our biggest strength.”Vinod Kapri also posted screenshots from Bengaluru, where several shows seemed to be nearly full. Confident about the film’s future, he wrote, “Pyre will bounce back. I am dead sure about it.”
More about ‘Ramayana’
‘Ramayana’ is being made in two parts with a reported combined budget of Rs 4,000 crore. It is produced by Namit Malhotra and directed by Nitesh Tiwari. Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi plays Sita and Yash plays Ravana. The first part released in theatres worldwide on November 5.According to Sacnilk, the film earned Rs 221.05 crore worldwide in its first two days. This included Rs 134.80 crore from India and Rs 86.25 crore from overseas markets.
More about ‘Pyre’
‘Pyre’ is an emotional drama set in the remote, depopulated mountains of Uttarakhand. It tells the story of Amma and Bubu, an elderly couple who have been waiting for their son for 28 years. The film explores the love and companionship they share in a Himalayan village, where migration has left behind an ageing population and fading communities. It stars non-professional actors, opened in theatres on October 30 and received positive word of mouth.