The cinematic landscape in India has witnessed a major arrival as the top-rated horror film of 2026, Obsession, officially hit the silver screens on May 29, 2026. Written and directed by Curry Barker, a YouTuber who has successfully transitioned into a filmmaker, this horror-thriller has been one of the most talked-about projects of the year. The film has consistently garnered attention from audiences worldwide for its unique storytelling and atmospheric dread, making its Indian release a highly anticipated event for genre enthusiasts.
Global Box Office Phenomenon
Before its arrival in India, Obsession had already established itself as a massive commercial success on the international stage. While the Bollywood film Dhurandhar 2 was making waves locally, Obsession was dominating theaters across the globe. The financial performance of the film has left industry analysts stunned. Produced on a modest budget of 7 crore, the film originally premiered in international theaters on May 15, 2026. Within just 10 days of its release, it managed to collect a staggering 80 million dollars, which translates to approximately 750 crore. This incredible return on investment has solidified its status as a global blockbuster.
CBFC Controversy and Audience Disappointment
Despite the excitement surrounding its Indian premiere, the release has been met with a wave of disappointment from fans. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted the film a green signal only after implementing several significant cuts. Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions from users expressing their frustration over these edits. The Indian version of Obsession, which stars Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette, arrived this Friday, May 29, 2026, and while it dominated the box office on its first day, the conversation has been overshadowed by the censorship issues.
Details of the Deleted Scenes
The original runtime of Curry Barker's film was approximately 1 hour 50 minutes. However, the CBFC has removed 38 seconds of crucial footage consisting of two major scenes. According to reports, one of the deleted segments was removed due to extreme violence, while the other was a 14 second scene involving sexual activity. The board deemed these sequences too intense for the general audience, while fans have taken to social media to share their grievances, arguing that these cuts impact the overall narrative and intensity of the psychological thriller.
Social Media Reviews and Ratings
The reception on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), has been a mix of high praise for the content and anger over the censorship. One user shared their experience, stating that Obsession (2026) is a brilliant horror film that everyone should watch. Another reviewer noted that while they weren't entirely satisfied with the ending, the way the film explores the manifestation and destruction of emotions is deeply mysterious, while the reviewer described it as more of a psychological thriller than a traditional horror movie, though they admitted the jump scares were highly effective, ultimately giving it a rating of 9/10.2 out of 10.
Cast and Crew Information
Obsession features a talented ensemble cast led by Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette. They're supported by Cooper Tomlinson and Megan Lawless in pivotal roles. The production of the film was handled by a team of experienced producers including James Harris, Roman Viaris-de-Lesegno, and Christian Mercuri. The haunting musical score was composed by Rock Burwell, while the director Curry Barker also took on the responsibility of editing the film. As the film continues its run in Indian theaters, it remains to be seen how the censorship will affect its long-term box office performance in the country.