'Can't believe what it's doing': 'Obsession' director Curry Barker stunned by India's love for the film

The unsettling relationship between Nikki and Bear, portrayed by Inde Navarrette and Michael Johnston respectively, has captivated moviegoers.

Beyond the box office, the film has also sparked a wave of memes and online discussions, reflecting its growing popularity among Indian audiences.

Inde Navarrette and Michael Johnston as Nikki and Bear respectively in Obsession. Photo: 'Obsession' Instagram handle

Director surprised by India's response

Director Curry Barker admitted he never imagined the film would become such a massive success in India.

Speaking to Variety India, Barker said, "I definitely did not expect Obsession to be a big hit in India. I didn't expect it to be a big hit anywhere, really. You hope and dream that your movie is successful and that it resonates with people.

"But I can't believe what it's doing. I mean, we made this movie for nothing. I just can't believe that it's getting the recognition that it's getting."

'Obsession' director Curry Barker. Photo: Curry Barker/Instagram

A surprise box office juggernaut

Obsession has grossed more than Rs. 90 crore at the Indian box office, making it the highest-grossing Hollywood film in India this year.

Despite a modest opening, the film witnessed exceptional word-of-mouth and sustained momentum, eventually becoming one of the biggest surprise box office success stories of 2026.

Made on a modest budget, Obsession has earned widespread acclaim for its tense atmosphere, unsettling storytelling and compelling performances.

Plot

Obsession follows Bear, a shy employee at a music store who has been secretly in love with his childhood friend and co-worker, Nikki, for years. Unable to confess his feelings, Bear discovers a mysterious supernatural object called the One Wish Willow, which grants its owner a single wish.

Desperate, Bear wishes that Nikki would love him "more than anyone else in the world." The wish comes true—but not in the way he had imagined.

Instead of genuine love, Nikki develops an overwhelming and terrifying obsession with Bear. Her affection quickly turns into possessiveness, jealousy and violence as she becomes willing to eliminate anyone she believes stands between them.

Bear soon realises he hasn't found true love but has unleashed a supernatural curse that twists affection into dangerous fixation. As Nikki's obsession spirals out of control, he desperately searches for a way to reverse the wish before it destroys both their lives.

The film builds to a dark, emotionally charged climax that explores the consequences of manipulating another person's feelings and asks whether love obtained through force can ever be real.