Film maker Sanjay Gupta A fresh debate over multiplex liability and CBFC enforcement has sparked a fresh row over X (formerly Twitter) screening of India’s adult-only ‘A’ certified Hollywood thriller ‘Obsession’ was packed with youngsters, many of whom appeared to be under-age. His publication has drawn widespread attention as “Obsession” emerges as one of the most talked-about stories at the global box office in 2026, raising an uncomfortable question: Who is really responsible for excluding minors from adult-approved screenings?
What did Sanjay Gupta post?
Taking to X (earlier Twitter), the ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ director wrote that he visited a theater to catch a newly released Malayalam film, being the only audience in the hall. Meanwhile, Obsession on the next screen was a completely different story. Gupta noted that the theater was packed, mostly with young viewers, a significant number of whom, he said, seemed to be below the legal adult threshold for an A-rated film. “It’s amazing how sensational this movie is in everything,” he added, while admiring the film’s run and raising the alarm for those watching it as well.
What is “Obsession” and why did it get an A certificate in India?
the director Curry Barker‘Obsession’ was released in the US on 15 May 2026, before hitting Indian theaters on 29 May. The CBFC gave the film an ‘A’ certificate for Adults only, citing its disturbing thematic content, graphic violence and adult situations and reportedly removed approximately 38 seconds before releasing the film in India. The deleted parts are said to have included scenes of particularly extreme violence and sexual content. The cuts have not gone unnoticed, with a section of viewers expressing their frustration online and anticipating an uncensored digital release.
‘Obsession’ box office collection
Despite its controversial content, ‘Obsession’ has become a true global box office phenomenon. According to Sacnilk, in India, the film made Rs. 2.10 crore net on Day 1 and Rs. 3.30 crore on Day 2, its net collection Rs. 4.50 million. Critical reception has been positive, while online audience reactions have been more divided. Word of mouth, however, continues to drive curiosity and footprints.
More about ‘Obsession’
Written and directed by Curry Barker in his feature film debut, ‘Obsession’ is a supernatural horror psychological thriller with a running time of approximately 1 hour and 49 minutes. The plot follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a hopeless romantic, and his childhood friend and colleague Nikki (Inde Navarrette), who is not in love. Out of frustration, Bear breaks a new toy called “One Wish Willow”, wishing for Nikki to love him more than anyone else in the world. While her wish is granted, the “monkey hurdle” twist unfolds as Nikki’s love spirals into an inappropriate, dangerous and terrifying obsession that tears apart their lives and puts their mutual friends, Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) and Sarah (Megan Lawless), in grave danger.
