Vinod Kapri Alleges ‘Pyre’ Screenings Slashed Amid ‘Ramayana: Rise Of A Legend’ Release

Filmmaker Vinod Kapri has expressed frustration over the sharp reduction in theatrical screenings for his film Pyre, alleging that cinema owners and distributors have been instructed to give priority to a particular release. Although he did not identify the film, his comments come as Ramayana: Rise of a Legend continues its theatrical run.

In a video shared on X, Kapri spoke about the difficulties faced by Pyre despite receiving encouraging support from moviegoers. The filmmaker claimed that the film's limited initial release gradually expanded as audiences responded positively, only for a significant number of screenings to be withdrawn over the past two days.

According to Kapri, Pyre opened in cinemas with approximately 80 shows across 80 screens. Within three to four days, the number of screeningsreportedly climbed to more than 400 following the audience response.

Vinod Kapri Claims Over 75% Of Pyre Screenings Have Been Removed

Kapri alleged that at least 75 per cent of the film's theatrical shows were subsequently cancelled, leaving Pyre with fewer than 100 screenings across India.

He also claimed that conversations with cinema owners and distributors revealed that they had received instructions to screen only one particular film, even if other screens remained vacant.

Expressing his disappointment over the situation, Kapri wrote: “THIS IS NOT FAIR. NOT TO #PYRE. NOT TO ITS AUDIENCE.”

He further stated: “We have been in touch with theatre owners and distributors, and they have informed us that they have been instructed to screen only one specific film in their theatres.”

The filmmaker's allegations come amid the theatrical release of several major productions, with smaller films facing competition for available cinema screens.

According to trade tracking website Sacnilk, Pyre has collected Rs 2.23 crore gross at the Indian box office.

Ramayana: Rise Of A Legend Box Office Collection Continues To Grow

Meanwhile, Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, arrived in cinemas on November 5 and has recorded substantial box office earnings.

The film reportedly collected Rs 120 crore gross in India on Monday alone. Its worldwide gross collection reached Rs 663.90 crore within five days of its release.

The film's strong box office performance comes as Kapri raises concerns about the reduction in screenings for Pyre, which had initially expanded its theatrical presence following positive audience support.