Hollywood horror has found a fresh spark at the Indian box office, and Obsession is leading the charge with a start that has pleasantly rattled exhibitors. The supernatural film, released in India on Friday, May 29, 2026, opened stronger than its limited showcasing suggested and has now crossed Rs 1.75 crore in India when its paid previews are added to its first day collections.
The film collected around Rs 1.30 crore on its full release day, while its paid previews brought in Rs 46 lakh. That preview figure became the first real signal that Obsession was not playing like a niche horror import. With only one show in several cinemas during previews, the number pushed exhibitors to quickly rethink the film’s showcasing.
Obsession Sees Shows Increase After Strong Paid Previews
Box Office Worldwide has exclusively learned that exhibitors have begun increasing shows of Obsession across key centres after its encouraging Thursday preview response. A trade source said, “Universal Pictures asked for just 2 shows in each property. They also didn’t go all out with the showcasing. Once the Thursday numbers were in front of the exhibitors, they themselves began increasing the shows and also introduced the film to properties where the film didn’t get a release on Thursday or Friday.”
The momentum has already translated into wider visibility from Saturday. Cinemas that did not initially play the film in Mumbai’s Bandra belt have now added shows, while several properties have moved to five to eight shows. Another source added, “Demand is coming in shows from Ahmedabad and other cities and the studio is working towards increasing the screen count.”
No Digital Release On June 2
The strong theatrical traction comes at a time when chatter around an early digital release had begun circulating online. That talk has now been firmly dismissed. A source clarified, “Obsession is not releasing on streaming platforms anywhere in the world on June 2. It was released in North America on May 15 and there’s no way it’ll be released so soon digitally, in less than 21 days, especially when it’s doing so well.”
The film has also faced attention in India after CBFC cuts in two intense scenes triggered discussion on social media. Even so, the theatrical demand indicates that horror fans are choosing the big screen experience.
What Obsession Is About
Obsession is a supernatural horror film directed and written by Curry Barker. The film features Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless and Andy Richter, with Blumhouse Productions associated with the project and Focus Features handling its US release. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025.
The story follows Bear, a young man whose feelings for his friend Nikki take a darker turn after an occult object enters their lives. Built on a modest budget, Obsession has become a breakout worldwide success, grossing around $100.6 million globally.
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