A coalition of 46 prominent Indian independent filmmakers, including acclaimed directors Payal Kapadia and Rima Das, has issued a joint statement calling for fair and broad theatrical opportunities for indie cinema across India. The move comes in the wake of the limited Indian release of Kanu Behl’s Cannes-selected feature Agra, which industry observers say underscores ongoing distribution hurdles faced by non-mainstream cinema. Agra premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and arrived in Indian theatres on November 14, but its rollout was confined to a small number of venues and limited slots, leaving many audiences and regional markets without access to the film. The signatories contend that such restricted releases reflect systemic inefficiencies in the indie-film ecosystem, where distribution, exhibition planning, and audience reach are unevenly prioritized. The statement urges industry stakeholders—distributors, exhibitors, and policymakers—to secure wider, more equitable screening windows for independent titles. Proponents argue for transparent release strategies, broader theatre slots across diverse markets, and partnerships that can balance art-house storytelling with sustainable commercial models. The coalition also emphasizes the need for alternative pathways such as streaming collaborations and community screenings to ensure indie films reach their intended audiences without compromising artistic integrity. Beyond Agra, the signatories say the demand for fair screenings signals a broader push to reform India’s indie cinema distribution landscape, unlocking opportunities for emerging voices and established auteurs alike. The group stresses that a healthier, well-supported ecosystem benefits filmmakers, audiences, and the broader cultural economy—and they plan to continue advocacy, dialogue with distributors and exhibitors, and policy engagement to drive tangible change.