RGV says he is "OBSESSED with OBSESSION," calls film a game-changer for theatres
Mumbai, June 7
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has showered praise on the supernatural horror film 'Obsession', saying the movie has challenged the long-held belief in the film industry that only big-budget, star-driven spectacles can attract audiences to theatres.
Taking to his X account, Varma shared his admiration for the film and reflected on how it reminded him of a memorable moment from his own 1999 psychological thriller 'Kaun', starring Urmila Matondkar.
Sharing a post on X, Varma drew a comparison between the two films and wrote, "I remembered this shot of Urmila from KAUN after watching OBSESSION."
The filmmaker further expressed his appreciation for the film in another post, stating that he had become "obsessed" with 'Obsession' and that the film had altered prevailing perceptions within the industry regarding theatrical success.
Praising the impact of the film, Varma wrote, "Am OBSESSED with OBSESSION. Till even a few weeks before, the whole industry believed that only Big-budget, massive budgeted, VFX spectacle films would pull audience into the theatres and now OBSESSION reset that BUTTON."
According to Varma, one of the most remarkable aspects of the film is that it achieved success without relying on major stars, extravagant locations, lavish production design, international shoots, or high-profile technical crews.
Explaining what impressed him about the film, he wrote, "No BIG STARS No GRAND LOCATIONS No LAVISH PRODUCTION DESIGN No FOREIGN SHOOTS No TOP TECHNICIANS and contrary to it's reported budget of 7 cr (Indian) it's easy to see, it's pure making cost cannot be more than 70 lakhs minus technical fees considering it's entirely shot in exactly 3 locations ( two rooms in a modest house, interior of a car AND interior of a small store."
Varma also praised the film's visual storytelling and directorial approach. Sharing what stood out to him, he wrote, "The director's style is visually simplistic but very unique (I was especially struck with his use of too much head space in many shots, which strangely enhances the mood)."
He further highlighted the editing style employed in the film and its role in building suspense and emotional intensity.
"He treats editing not just as a technical craft but as a psychological weapon blending rapid cuts with especially lengthy stays (case in point is long stay on Nikki's face in interval shot). These kinds of long takes build unbearable tension because the audience is trapped in the character's perspective with no escape," he added.
'Obsession' stars Michael Johnston as Bear and Inde Navarrette as Nikki. The supernatural horror film follows a man whose desire to win the affection of his longtime crush triggers a chain of disturbing and unsettling events. The film was released in India on May 29 and has since drawn attention for its unconventional storytelling and minimalist filmmaking approach.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally someone saying what we've been feeling! Tired of these star-driven, 200-crore 'spectacles' that have zero story. 'Obsession' is a breath of fresh air. RGV might be eccentric but he knows cinema. The headspace framing technique he mentioned—yes, that's exactly what made the film so claustrophobic and gripping. More such films please! 🙏
RGV calling a film 'game-changer' is ironic considering his own recent track record. 'Kaun' was indeed a masterpiece, but this comparison feels forced. 'Obsession' works because it's a tight thriller, not because it 'reset' anything. The Indian industry has seen many such films—'Rahasya' (2015), 'U Turn' (2018). Let's not hype mediocrity just because it's low-budget.
This gives me hope for indie filmmakers in India. For too long, we've been fed the myth that only stars and big budgets sell. 'Obsession' proves that if your story is tight and your direction is smart, you don't need A-list actors or foreign locations. RGV's analysis of the editing—especially those long takes—shows why he's still a master technician despite his controversies.
M Michael C (from US) Interesting to see RGV's perspective as an Indian filmmaker. I watched 'Obsession' last week and while it's good, I think the Indian audience is more receptive to such films because of their exposure to regional cinema. In the US, this wouldn't be called a 'game-changer'—it's just a solid indie horror. But I respect RGV's passion. Cinema is universal, after all. We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.