Unveiling Desire And Disquiet: Kanu Behl’s ‘Agra’ Set For Theatrical Release This November

Acclaimed filmmaker Kanu Behl’s much-anticipated feature ‘Agra’ is slated to hit Indian theatres in November 2025, following its celebrated run across international film festivals. Known for his unflinching storytelling and psychological depth, Behl returns with a provocative exploration of masculinity, repression, and urban claustrophobia set against the backdrop of the historic city of Agra.

 

Key Highlights From The Film’s Journey

 

- ‘Agra’ premiered at Cannes Film Festival’s Directors’ Fortnight in 2023 and later screened at Busan, London, and Melbourne, earning critical acclaim for its bold narrative and visual intensity  

- The film stars debutant Rahul Roy as Guru, a young man grappling with sexual frustration and familial control in a crumbling ancestral home  

- Supporting cast includes veteran actors such as Mohit Agarwal, Priyanka Bose, and Sonal Jha, who bring layered performances to a story steeped in psychological tension  

- The narrative unfolds through fragmented spaces and internal monologues, capturing the protagonist’s descent into obsession and isolation  

- Cinematography by Saumyananda Sahi and production design by Parul Sondh evoke a visceral sense of confinement and decay, mirroring the emotional landscape of the characters

 

Cultural Resonance And Audience Expectations

 

- ‘Agra’ challenges conventional portrayals of desire and domesticity, offering a raw, unfiltered lens on middle-class male identity in small-town India  

- The film’s theatrical release is expected to spark conversations around mental health, gender roles, and the politics of space  

- Distributors are planning a limited release across major metros and select Tier-2 cities, targeting cinephiles and festival audiences

 

Looking Ahead

 

- Kanu Behl is reportedly developing a new project focused on rural surveillance and digital paranoia  

- ‘Agra’ may also see a streaming release post its theatrical run, expanding its reach to global audiences

 

Sources: Film Companion, Variety India, Hindustan Times Entertainment Desk, Busan International Film Festival Archives, Cannes Directors’ Fortnight Catalogue