Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta has ignited a fresh debate around multiplex accountability and CBFC enforcement after revealing on X (formerly Twitter) that a screening of Hollywood horror thriller ‘Obsession’ which holds an Adults-Only ‘A’ certificate in India was packed with youngsters, many of whom appeared to be underage. His post has drawn widespread attention at a time when ‘Obsession’ is emerging as one of 2026’s most talked-about global box office stories, raising an uncomfortable question: who is actually responsible for keeping minors out of adult-certified screenings?
What did Sanjay Gupta post?
Taking to X (previously Twitter), the ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ director wrote that he had visited a theatre to catch a recently released Malayalam film, only to find himself the sole viewer in the auditorium. Meanwhile, the adjacent screen screening Obsession was a completely different story. Gupta noted that the hall was packed, predominantly with young viewers, a significant number of whom, he observed, appeared to be below the legal adult threshold for an A-certified film. “It’s amazing how this film is a sensation all over,” he added, all while admiring the film’s pull and also raising an alarm at who was watching it.
What is ‘Obsession’ and why did it get an A certificate in India?
Directed by Curry Barker, ‘Obsession’ released in the United States on May 15, 2026, before arriving in Indian cinemas on May 29. The CBFC granted the film an Adults-Only ‘A’ certificate, citing its disturbing thematic content, graphic violence, and adult situations and reportedly excised approximately 38 seconds of footage before clearing it for theatrical release in India. The deleted portions are said to have included particularly extreme scenes of violence and sexual content. The cuts have not gone unnoticed, with a section of viewers expressing frustration online and anticipating an uncensored digital release.
‘Obsession’ box office collection
Despite its controversial content, ‘Obsession’ has turned into a genuine global box office phenomenon. According to Sacnilk, in India, the film opened to Rs. 2.10 crore net on Day 1 and Rs. 3.30 crore on Day 2, pushing its net collection to Rs. 4.50 crore. Critical reception has leaned positive, while audience reactions online have been more divided. Word of mouth, however, continues to drive curiosity and footfalls.
More about ‘Obsession’
Written and directed by Curry Barker in his feature film debut, ‘Obsession’ is a supernatural psychological horror-thriller with a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 49 minutes. The plot follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a hopeless romantic who harbors a deep, unrequited crush on his childhood friend and coworker, Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Out of frustration, Bear breaks a novelty toy called the “One Wish Willow,” wishing for Nikki to love him more than anyone else in the world. While his wish is granted, the “monkey’s paw” twist manifests as Nikki’s infatuation spirals into an unhinged, dangerous, and terrifyingly unhinged obsession that disrupts their lives and puts their mutual friends, Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) and Sarah (Megan Lawless), in serious jeopardy.
