Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 8 hrs ago
AICWA seeks inquiry into cuts to Pyre screenings after Ramayana release
The All India Cine Workers Association has asked for an inquiry into the reduction of screenings for Pyre, an independent Indian film directed by Vinod Kapri.
Kapri said the film’s screen count rose from 80 to about 400 after positive audience response, before falling to fewer than 100.
He says the cuts followed Ramayana’s release on November 5, though the claims have not been independently confirmed in the information available.
The association’s president, Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, wrote to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, saying large films should not displace smaller films that audiences are watching.
AICWA wants a fair screen allocation policy, a grievance process and an inquiry into why Pyre lost screens.
It also wants FIRs against theatre owners and distributors found responsible, and asks for Pyre’s screenings to be restored while the inquiry is underway.
The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has asked the information and broadcasting minister to investigate the reduction in screenings for Vinod Kapri’s film Pyre after Ramayana was released.
The group wants a fair screen allocation policy and a grievance process to protect independent and small-budget films.
AICWA also called for FIRs against theatre owners and distributors found responsible and asked for the maximum possible screens and shows to be restored for Pyre during the inquiry.
Kapri has alleged that Pyre lost about 75% of its screenings, falling from about 400 screens to fewer than 100 despite positive audience response.
AICWA president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta said the group does not oppose Ramayana but argued that big films should not displace smaller films that audiences are embracing.
- Who
- The All India Cine Workers Association, led by president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, wrote to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
- What
- AICWA called for an inquiry into the reduction of screenings for Pyre, a fair screen allocation policy and FIRs against those found responsible.
- When
- The letter was reported on November 12, 2026. AICWA’s post about its demands was dated November 11.
- Where
- The dispute concerns theatre screenings in India.
- Why
- AICWA says small-budget films need fair access to screens and alleges Pyre’s screenings were cut despite a positive audience response.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ramayana was released, according to the Indian Express report.
Kapri said Pyre lost approximately 75% of its screenings, falling from about 400 screens to fewer than 100.
AICWA’s post said Gupta had written to Ashwini Vaishnaw with demands including an inquiry and a fair screen allocation policy.
- Film
- Pyre, directed by Vinod Kapri
- Budget
- ₹2.50 crore
- Screen count before reduction
- About 400, up from 80
- Screen count after reduction
- Fewer than 100, according to Kapri’s claim
- Association
- All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA)
- Minister addressed
- Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister
4 sources
200 shows added for Pyre after row, director Vinod Kapri thanks audience for ‘standing by little film’
Pyre Loses 75% Shows After Ramayana Release, Cine Workers' Body Seeks Fair Screen Allocation
AICWA seeks probe into Pyre screen cut after Ramayana release, demands FIRs
What people are saying
But a big film’s success should not come at the cost of a small film that audiences are already embracing.
I do not oppose Ramayana: Rise of Legend. It is a large-budget film that has given work to hundreds of workers, technicians, junior artists and artists across every department. It should succeed, so that producers profit and workers are paid on time.
Most small films do not succeed, and when even a film that is working is removed, small producers will stop making films, new artists will lose their chance, and lakhs of workers will lose employment.
Posts on X
"Small Films, Big Dreams: Give Them Screens, Give Them a Chance!" Vinod Kapri's Pyre, made on just ₹2.5 crore, grew from 80 to about 400 screens on audience love alone. Then, as Mr. Kapri alleges, its shows were cut by nearly 75% to make room for a big-budget release. We do
#PYRE IS GETTING ITS SHOWS BACK! ❤️ Over 200 shows of PYRE are being added from Friday , 13th November. A heartfelt thank you to our audiences for standing by this little independent film and making this possible. Your love, trust and support have brought us back to more