Ram Gopal Varma says indie horror Obsession worked as ‘every woman has a bit of Nikki in her’, internet roasts him

Ram Gopal Varma Hails Horror Film Obsession’s Success, Internet Roasts Him

Ram Gopal Varma says indie horror – Horror film Obsession has emerged as a surprise success this year. With a modest budget of $750,000, the film has already amassed over $170 million globally. On Sunday, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma took to X to express his admiration for the movie’s global resonance, sharing his thoughts on why it struck a chord with viewers worldwide.

Director’s Insights on the Film’s Appeal

“My theory on the tremendous success of Obsession. Every woman has a little bit of Nikki in her, which she too knows. Every man sees a little bit of Nikki in his woman. Hence the connect,”

Varma wrote, highlighting his belief that the film’s relatability lies in its portrayal of Nikki, a character central to the story. The film follows Bear, a music store employee played by Michael Johnston, who acquires a supernatural toy that makes his childhood crush Nikki (Inde Navarrette) fall for him, leading to terrifying outcomes.

The movie was written, directed, and edited by Curry Barker. In another X post, Varma praised the film’s editing style, noting, “The director’s approach is visually minimalist yet distinctive. I was particularly impressed by his use of head space in many scenes, which oddly amplifies the emotional weight. He treats editing as more than a technical process—it’s a psychological tool, merging quick cuts with extended holds, like the prolonged focus on Nikki’s face in a key interval shot.”

Varma emphasized how these techniques generate palpable tension, immersing the audience in the character’s perspective. He also commended Barker’s sound design, stating, “The use of sharp sound effects—a door slam, a sudden laugh, a heartbeat—creates rhythmic punctuation that’s truly captivating. Barker’s philosophy seems to be: ‘Make the audience feel what the character feels, which is instability.’ By breaking traditional editing norms, the film feels chaotic and alive, as if the editing itself contributes to the horror.”

Internet Reaction to Varma’s Comments

Despite Varma’s praise, his assertion that “every woman has a bit of Nikki” didn’t sit well with critics online. The film revolves around Bear’s desperate wish for Nikki to fall in love with him, binding her to his desires against her will. Some social media users questioned Varma’s interpretation, with one quipping, “The movie isn’t about Nikki to begin with. What did you smoke before stepping into the theater, Ramu?” Another joked, “Are you suggesting every man is like the male lead?”

Meanwhile, Curry Barker celebrated the film’s success on Instagram, writing, “Over 100M at the box office?! So surreal, and it’s all because of you guys. Thank you to everyone who came out to watch the film and to those who supported us along the way. I’m obsessed with you,”

Release Details and Author Background

Obsession premiered in India on May 29, earning ₹32 crore at the domestic box office. The film’s low-budget triumph has sparked discussions about independent horror cinema’s potential. Santanu Das, a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, wrote the article. With over five years of experience covering films, pop culture, and festivals, Das has focused on South Asian indie films. He has attended events like Sundance and CPH: Docx and contributes to the monthly column The Fault in Our Stars, analyzing how recent works fall short of greatness.

A graduate of Banaras Hindu University, Das completed his postgraduate studies in English at Jadavpur University. He is also a certified film critic on Rotten Tomatoes, bringing a nuanced perspective to his reviews.