Select a news story to see related coverage from other media outlets.
Obsession, a psychological horror film directed by YouTuber Curry Barker on a modest budget under $1 million, has become a global success, grossing over 100 million worldwide since its May 15 US release and May 29 debut in India. Praised for its unsettling narrative and strong performances, the film explores themes of obsession and control. Despite receiving an 'A' certificate in India and cuts by the CBFC, reports indicate underage viewers attended screenings. The film's box office in India showed significant growth, supported by positive word of mouth and endorsements from figures like Kartik Aaryan. An OTT release is anticipated following its theatrical run.
We measured how 15 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 0%, Centre 100%, Right 0%). Overall sentiment is positive (69/100). Lens Score 28/100 — low public interest.
Outlets analysed (first-hand measurement by TBN's Bias Engine):
The article group presents a range of perspectives focusing on the film's commercial success, creative background, and audience reception without political framing. Coverage includes industry analysis, filmmaker profiles, certification issues, and celebrity endorsements, reflecting entertainment and cultural viewpoints rather than political discourse. The sources collectively emphasize the film's impact on the horror genre and market dynamics, maintaining a neutral stance on broader political matters.
The overall tone across the articles is positive, highlighting Obsession's box office achievements, critical acclaim, and audience enthusiasm. While some concern is noted regarding underage viewers attending an adult-rated film, this is presented factually without sensationalism. The sentiment balances praise for the film's creativity and success with measured reporting on certification and content issues, resulting in a generally favorable but nuanced coverage.
Each source's own headline, political lean, and sentiment — so you can see framing differences at a glance.
| Source | Their headline | Bias | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|
| republicworld | Sanjay Gupta Flags Underage Children Attending Obsession Screening In India Despite CBFC's 'A' Rating | Center | Neutral |
| thetelegraph | Move over 'Obsession', a new horror movie 'Backrooms' is talk-of-the-town in the US | Center | Positive |
| indiatoday | Director Sanjay Gupta says underage children are watching at A-rated Obsession | Center |
indiatoday broke this story on 30 May, 12:56 pm. Other outlets followed.
Well-covered story — coverage matches public importance.
Institutions and figures named across source coverage.
| Neutral |
| news18 | 'Absolutely Obsessed': Kartik Aaryan Reviews One Of The Best Horror Films 'Obsession' | Center | Positive |
| indianexpress | 26-year-old YouTuber's 1M horror movie has now earned over 100 times at global box office | Center | Positive |
| freepressjournal | Obsession Box Office Collection Day 2: Michael Johnston Inde Navarrette's Horror Film Records 57 Growth, Collects 2.75 Crore | Center | Positive |
| economictimes | Dhurandhar 2 is not 2026's biggest hit. How a Rs 7 crore budget indie horror movie by YouTuber-turned-director became a blockbuster | Center | Positive |
| hindustantimes | Sanjay Gupta claims underage kids are watching Obsession in India despite A rating by CBFC: 'Theatre was packed' | Center | Neutral |
| indiatvnews | Kartik Aaryan 'absolutely obsessed' with Michael Johnston's Obsession, calls it 'one of the best horror films' - India TV News | Center | Positive |
| republicworld | Obsession Box Office Collection Day 2: Positive Reviews Drive Growth By 50 | Center | Positive |
| news18 | Sanjay Gupta Shocked As Underage Kids Watch A-Rated Obsession In Packed Theatre: 'It's Amazing How...' | Center | Neutral |
| timesnow | Kartik Aaryan Turns Film Critic For Obsession, Says He Is 'Obsessed' With The Horror Film | Center | Positive |
| freepressjournal | The Great Grand Superhero, Obsession Box Office Collection Day 2 Prediction: Will Both Movies Show A Jump On Saturday? | Center | Neutral |
| freepressjournal | 'Theatre Was Packed With Kids': Sanjay Gupta Reveals Underage Children Were Watching 'A-Rated' Movie Obsession | Center | Neutral |
| indiatoday | Obsession on OTT: When, where to watch horror sleeper hit everyone's talking about | Center | Positive |
