Obsession Emerges As 2026's Surprise Horror Hit; 38 Cuts Trigger CBFC Backlash

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hollywood horror films have always had a special fan base among Indian audiences. Whether it is </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Conjuring</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> franchise or </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">It</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, these films have managed to leave viewers terrified and fascinated for years. Adding to that list is </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Obsession</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a supernatural thriller that has now become one of the most talked-about horror films of the year, with Indian audiences seemingly unable to stop talking about it.</span></p> <h2><strong>Biggest Surprise Hit of 2026</strong></h2> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Obsession</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has emerged as one of the biggest surprise hits of 2026 in the supernatural thriller genre. Directed by Curry Barker and made on a modest budget of just 1 million dollars, the film has found massive success largely through strong word of mouth.</span></p> <p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/celebrities/anushka-sharma-sets-premanand-maharaj-as-phone-wallpaper-internet-reacts-1847843" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anushka Sharma Sets Premanand Maharaj As Phone Wallpaper, Internet Reacts</a></strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The story revolves around Bear, a lonely employee at a music store, and his co-worker Nikki. Bear comes across a mysterious supernatural object known as the "One Wish Willow," which is believed to grant a single wish when broken.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hoping to make Nikki fall in love with him, Bear uses the object, only to discover that the wish unleashes a series of disturbing and horrifying consequences.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bear eventually realizes that Nikki's memories and feelings have been changed by the wish. As her obsession becomes more intense and dangerous, he discovers that the curse can only be broken if either he or Nikki dies. He tries to reverse the wish, but every attempt leads to more tragedy and devastating consequences.</span></p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YmKSwMAstH8?si=_TIfmhVVWEHJF3Nb" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <h2><strong>CBFC Cuts Spark Debate</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Obsession</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> received an 'A' certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the board also ordered 38 cuts in the film before its release in India.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to a report by News18, a 24-second graphic violence sequence and a 14-second sexually explicit scene were removed. A visual featuring nudity was also reportedly modified.</span></p> <p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/india-at-2047/abp-india-2047-i-choose-character-manoj-bajpayee-reveals-what-drives-his-film-choices-at-abp-conclave-1847823" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India@2047: Manoj Bajpayee Reveals What Drives His Film Choices At ABP Conclave, Says ‘I Choose Script, Character’</a></strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The decision quickly sparked debate online, with several moviegoers questioning why an adults-only film required such extensive cuts.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One user reacted on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “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."</span></p> <h2><strong>Celebrities Applaud the Film</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The film has not only impressed audiences but has also found admirers within the Indian film industry. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Actors Ananya Panday and Kartik Aaryan took to Instagram to praise the film and recommend it to their followers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ananya Panday wrote on her Instagram Story, “I can’t get this film out of my head. Safe to say I am obsessed." </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan shared, “One of the best horror films after a very long time! what a movie!! absolutely obessed with #obession!! Don’t miss this one’.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Apart from becoming one of the highest-grossing horror films of the year, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Obsession</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has also performed impressively at the box office.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The film's earnings have reportedly surpassed those of the Indian romantic drama </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chaand Mera Dil</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, starring Ananya Panday and Lakshya, making it one of the standout success stories of 2026.</span></p> <p> </p>