Whenever it comes to horror and thriller genre in Indian cinema, the name of filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) comes at the top. RGV, who has given cult films like ‘Raat’, ‘Bhoot’ and ‘Kaun’, has become a fan of horror films these days. This film is-‘Obsession’. Ram Gopal Varma has praised this supernatural horror film and called it a ‘game-changer’ of the current cinematic era. This statement of RGV has come at a time when the entire film industry is dependent on big budgets, grand sets and huge star power to draw the audience to theatres.
“I’m obsessed with ‘Obsession’…” — RGV
Ram Gopal Varma shared a very detailed and technical note about the film on the social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter). RGV wrote:
“I’m obsessed with ‘Obsession’… Till a few weeks ago, the entire industry believed that only big stars, big budgets and lavish films with VFX could draw audiences to the theatre, but now ‘Obsession’ has changed that thinking.”
Also read: Akshay Kumar’s new video goes viral, had a lot of fun with Rajpal Yadav on the set of ‘Welcome To The Jungle’
In his post, he further talked about the simplicity and making of the film and wrote, “This film has no big stars, no spectacular locations, no lavish production design, no foreign shooting and no top technicians. Contrary to its reported budget of Rs 7 crore, it is clear that its actual making cost (excluding technical fees) cannot be more than Rs 70 lakh, as it has been shot in only 3 locations – two floors of an ordinary house. The room, the inside of a car and the inside of a small shop.”
Revealed the nuances of filmmaking which surprised RGV
RGV openly praised the working style of the film’s director Currie Barker and his cinematic understanding. He outlined three main technical aspects of the film:
1. Head Space and Camera Visuals
The director’s style is very simple to look at but very unique. RGV said that he particularly liked the excessive use of ‘head space’ in many shots, which creates a strange mood and fear on the screen.
2. Editing: A Psychological Weapon
“They use editing not just as a technical task, but as a psychological weapon.”
The film has a great balance of quick cuts and long shots. Giving the example of an interval shot, RGV said that the focus was on ‘Nikki’s’ face for a long time. Such long shots create tremendous tension in the audience, as the audience becomes trapped in the character’s perspective with no way out.
3. Amazing sound design
According to RGV, the sound design of the film played a big role in maintaining the effect of fear on the audience. Using cuts over loud sound effects (like a door slamming, sudden laughter, and a heartbeat) to create a rhythm is a really cool experience.
‘Obsession’ makes waves at the box office: Bumper earnings in a budget of Rs 7 crores
‘Obsession’ was not released on a large scale or with heavy promotion like a typical commercial blockbuster, yet it has emerged as one of the biggest success stories of this year.
Also read: Bandar Movie Review: Bobby Deol shines in Anurag Kashyap’s complicated legal drama, gives the best performance of his career.
International Tour: The film had its world premiere on September 5, 2025 in the ‘Midnight Madness’ section of the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. It was then released in US theaters on May 15, 2026 by Focus Features.
Earning Mathematics: Made on a modest budget of around $750,000 (about Rs 6.20 crore), the film has performed better than expected at the box office.
Indian Box Office Collection: The film grossed an impressive Rs 7.50 crore (net) on the 10th day of its release from 2,788 shows.
This unprecedented success of ‘Obsession’ and legends like Ram Gopal Varma The appreciation received from the filmmaker proves that to scare and entertain the audience, it does not require a budget of crores or superstars, but an excellent screenplay and strong direction. This film has once again proved that content is the real king of the box office.
Entertainment News Hindi Today only at Prabhasakshi
Am OBSESSED with OBSESSION..
Till even a few weeks before the whole industry believed that only Big starred , massive budgeted , Vfx spectacle films will pull audience into the theaters and now OBSESSION reset that BUTTON
No BIG STARS No GRAND LOCATIONS No LAVISH PRODUCTION…— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) June 7, 2026