Why Is Obsession Trending Big In India? Hollywood Horror Film Becomes A Major Talking Point

Why Is Obsession Trending Big In India? Hollywood Horror Film Becomes A Major Talking Point

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Last Updated: June 03, 2026, 08:01 IST

Obsession, starring Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette in the lead roles, released in India on May 29, 2026.

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Obsession becomes a surprise hit in India with strong box office.

Hollywood horror film Obsession has emerged as one of the biggest surprise hits of 2026 in India. Directed by Curry Barker and made on a small budget of under $1 million, the supernatural thriller has generated strong word-of-mouth among fans. The film’s popularity has been driven by its unsettling story and impressive box-office performance. However, the film has also sparked a debate online with many questioning CBFC-mandated cuts. Let’s understand why this small-budget Hollywood film has become a major talking point in India.

What Is Obsession About?

Obsession follows Bear, a lonely music-store employee who acquires a supernatural object called the ‘One Wish Willow’, which is believed to grant one wish when broken. He uses it to make his co-worker Nikki fall in love with him, only to discover that the wish unleashes disturbing and horrifying consequences.

Bear eventually discovers that Nikki’s emotions and memories have been distorted by the wish. As her obsession grows more terrifying, he learns that the curse can only end if either he or Nikki dies. His attempts to undo the wish only lead to more tragic and gruesome consequences.

CBFC Cuts Spark Major Controversy

Before its Indian release on May 29, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted the film an Adults-Only certificate and ordered 38 seconds of cuts. According to reports, a 24-second graphic violence sequence and a 14-second sexually explicit scene were removed, while a nudity-related visual was also modified.

The decision immediately triggered criticism online, with fans questioning why an A-rated film required further censorship. “The Censor board sucks @CBFC_India. Just Watched Obsession from Cinepolis, Kerala. Due to substantiate cuts on violence & a sex scene (mind you – for an A rated movie!), major part of the plot was missed," an X user wrote after watching the film.

Strong Box Office Performance In India

Despite the controversy, Obsession has enjoyed a strong theatrical run in India. The film opened to healthy numbers and recorded an impressive opening weekend of approximately Rs 9.3 crore gross.

Interestingly, the horror film outperformed a recent Bollywood release on Monday. Lakshya and Ananya Panday’s Chand Mera Dil, which is currently in its second week, reportedly earned ₹78 lakh on the day when Obsession collected Rs 2 crore in India.

Globally, the film has crossed the $100 million mark, making it one of the most profitable movies of the year.

Ananya Panday, Kartik Aaryan Cheer For The Film

Recently, Ananya Panday took to her Instagram stories and shared a poster of the movie. “I can’t get this film out of my head. Safe to say I am obsessed," she wrote. Earlier, Kartik Aaryan also praised the film and wrote, “One of the best horror films after a very long time! what a movie!! absolutely obessedwith #obession!! Don’t miss this one’. Obsession, starring Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette in the lead roles, released in India on May 29, 2026."

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About the Author Chirag Sehgal Chirag Sehgal works as a Senior Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from... Read More

First Published: June 03, 2026, 08:01 IST

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