Lord Curzon Ki Haveli Shines as a Beacon for Independent, Concept-Driven Cinema
Anshuman Jha’s Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is proving that passion, storytelling, and originality can still triumph over scale. With a measured release across 60 screens in 15 cities, the film’s success marks a hopeful moment for India’s independent cinema movement.
A Modest Release, A Mighty Impact
In an industry often dominated by high-budget spectacles, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli has carved out its own space through sheer creative conviction. The film, which marks actor-director Anshuman Jha’s debut behind the camera, opened to collections of nearly ₹2 million within its first five days — an impressive feat considering its small-scale rollout and limited marketing.
What makes this success remarkable is not the number itself, but the context. Competing against big-studio releases like Jugnuma, which debuted on over 200 screens, Jha’s indie thriller held its ground, outperforming expectations and resonating deeply with audiences in several cities. Its strong weekday occupancy signals a shift — Indian audiences are increasingly open to experimental, story-first cinema.
Redefining the Indie Playbook
The film’s journey is a testament to smart strategy and creative integrity. Released through a collaboration between First Ray Films and Max Marketing, and distributed by Cinépolis India, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli followed a focused, word-of-mouth-driven model. Rather than chasing scale, the team leaned into substance — and the gamble is paying off.
Rasika Dugal’s performance, widely hailed as one of her finest to date, has been a key talking point. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film’s tight narrative, witty undertones, and its refreshing approach to dark comedy — all rare traits in mainstream cinema today.
A Director’s Leap of Faith
Reflecting on the film’s reception, Anshuman Jha shared,
“Everyone told us going theatrical was a risk. But I’ve always believed that intelligent audiences still crave authentic storytelling. I’m grateful to every person who chose to step into a cinema hall for a film that doesn’t follow the usual formula.”
His words echo the spirit of the film itself — bold, self-assured, and deeply personal.
The Road Ahead for Indie Cinema
With no major new release this weekend, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is poised to enjoy an extended run, giving it the chance to reach more audiences organically. More importantly, it has reignited belief in the viability of concept-driven, small-scale films finding success on the big screen.
In an age when spectacle often overshadows story, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli stands as a quiet revolution — proof that strong ideas, honest performances, and faith in the audience can still light up cinema halls across India.
