For a generation that has grown up on a steady supply&nbsp;of&nbsp;romantic comedies, particularly stories that end at a person finding&nbsp;their ever after and not really aware what actually happens next,&nbsp;the&nbsp;new wave&nbsp;of&nbsp;anti-romance&nbsp;movies is both satisfying and terrifying. It is essentially a shift from idealised fairytales towards more realistic, sometimes cynical, depictions&nbsp;of&nbsp;love.&nbsp;The new wave rejects the&nbsp;idea that happy endings are&nbsp;the&nbsp;only reality, something fans of the classic romcoms find hard to digest. The films aim to delve&nbsp;deep into&nbsp;the different realities&nbsp;of&nbsp;modern-day relationships. While&nbsp;the&nbsp;earlier&nbsp;films&nbsp;ended at&nbsp;the&nbsp;beginning&nbsp;of&nbsp;love stories,&nbsp;the&nbsp;anti-romance&nbsp;releases explore the&nbsp;realities&nbsp;of&nbsp;what happens after&nbsp;the&nbsp;romance takes&nbsp;off. Even though such films are gaining traction as a separate genre only now, cinema has been packaging&nbsp;anti-romcom stories for years.&nbsp;<h3>Choosing Self-Discovery Over 'The One'</h3>&nbsp;Much before&nbsp;the&nbsp;success&nbsp;of Sentimental Value, filmmaker Joachim Trier had&nbsp;offered fans another gem -&nbsp;The&nbsp;Worst Person In&nbsp;The&nbsp;World.&nbsp;The&nbsp;film chronicles four years&nbsp;of&nbsp;Julie's life, ably played by Renate Reinsve. What starts as Julie's journey navigating&nbsp;the challenges of her love life and her struggles to find a suitable professional path, the film goes much deeper as it progresses. It rejects&nbsp;the narrative that true love completes a person, which has been a staple of most classic romcoms of the past. It also serves as a reminder why one should invest in themselves rather than fixating on finding 'the one'.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Worst Person in the World

&nbsp;<h3>Ripping Apart the 'Cinderella' Fantasy</h3>&nbsp;Another film that set up classic romantic tropes only to shatter them is Anora. In the 2024 release, a young sex worker from Brooklyn gets her chance at a Cinderella story when she marries the son of an oligarch. But what happens after the news reaches the boy's family in Russia? Well, her love story is threatened as his parents have an entirely different plan. The Oscar-winning film changes the idea of a timeless romance between a sex worker and a rich person (seen frequently in films like Pretty Woman in the past), Anora rips the fantasy of true love saving a person. Instead, the film starring Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn draws attention to the transactional nature of class disparities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anora

&nbsp;&nbsp;Another film that takes a different route from the regular 'meet-cutes' trajectory is Together Together. Romance isn't on the cards and that's what makes the premise of the Ed Helms and Patti Harrison-starrer unexpected. The story is built around Matt and Anna, who meet for a very specific purpose - surrogacy. And as a result, the 2021 release prioritises platonic love and focusses on self-discovery. It also shatters the age-old notion that co-dependent relationships are the only the peak of romance.&nbsp;Unlike many movies that take lies as the ultimate climax, Kristoffer Borgli's recent film, The Drama, places a shocking confession at the heart of its story. With a moral anchor in place, the Zendaya and Robert Pattinson-starrer challenges the notion that love conquers all. In fact, it takes all the hopeful tropes of a wedding planning and replaces them with moral complexity, extreme confusion and awkwardness. While for most people, rom-coms ride high on aspirational fantasy, this one plays out as a dark and anxiety-inducing black comedy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Drama

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/the-drama-movie-review-zendaya-robert-pattinson-shine-in-a-complex-dramedy-1775238559567">The Drama movie review: Zendaya-Robert Pattinson shine in a complex dramedy</a><h3>Unmasking Toxic Obsession and Red Flags</h3>Curry Barker's box-office blockbuster Obsession is also in a way an anti-romance offering. Even though it's primarily a supernatural horror film, it does explore the toxic consequences of entitlement and possessiveness. It transforms a 'happily ever after' fantasy into a nightmare, quite literally. Stalking, owning and controlling - the tropes that have often defined onscreen love in the past are shown here for what they are. And it's not just for one partner. The male protagonist is also being viewed as a red flag disguised as a green flag. Even though he appears to be a nice guy, many have pointed out that it is his obsessive choice to magically manipulate the girl he likes that drives the story ahead.&nbsp;They say when the fairytale ends, the reality begins, and it seems, cinema is attempting to mirror the complications of love in the digital age. But ​​while the landscape of rom-coms is continually reinventing, the changing cinematic landscape also poses a much larger question - do we no longer have the appetite for fairytale romance or is the reality only good when served once a while?

A new wave of realistic, cynical "anti-romance" films is fundamentally shifting modern cinema away from traditional rom-com tropes. Rather than ending at the blissful beginning of a relationship, recent cinematic works pull back the curtain on what happens after the romance takes off.

For a generation that has grown up on a steady supply of romantic comedies, particularly stories that end at a person finding their ever after and not really aware what actually happens next, the new wave of anti-romance movies is both satisfying and terrifying. It is essentially a shift from idealised fairytales towards more realistic, sometimes cynical, depictions of love. The new wave rejects the idea that happy endings are the only reality, something fans of the classic romcoms find hard to digest. The films aim to delve deep into the different realities of modern-day relationships. While the earlier films ended at the beginning of love stories, the anti-romance releases explore the realities of what happens after the romance takes off. Even though such films are gaining traction as a separate genre only now, cinema has been packaging anti-romcom stories for years. Choosing Self-Discovery Over 'The One' Much before the success of Sentimental Value, filmmaker Joachim Trier had offered fans another gem - The Worst Person In The World. The film chronicles four years of Julie's life, ably played by Renate Reinsve. What starts as Julie's journey navigating the challenges of her love life and her struggles to find a suitable professional path, the film goes much deeper as it progresses. It rejects the narrative that true love completes a person, which has been a staple of most classic romcoms of the past. It also serves as a reminder why one should invest in themselves rather than fixating on finding 'the one'.

A new wave of realistic, cynical "anti-romance" films is fundamentally shifting modern cinema away from traditional rom-com tropes. Rather than ending at the blissful beginning of a relationship, recent cinematic works pull back the curtain on what happens after the romance takes off.

The rise of anti-romance films: Why the new wave is both satisfying and terrifying

The first six months of 2026 have now come to a close. As the year enters its second half, here’s a look at the Hollywood movies that ruled the box office and secured their place among the top-grossing films of 2026 so far.

Top-grossing Hollywood movies of 2026: From The Super Mario Galaxy Movie to Obsession

Vikram Bhatt says he found similarities between Obsession and his hit film RaazThe world has been obsessing over the much-talked-about horror thriller Obsession. The film has gained a lot of viewers and opened up discussion about red flags in a relationship. Meanwhile, Indian filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has recently reacted to the horror-thriller, calling it similar to his film Raaz. Bhatt is known for making horror thrillers in Bollywood and has made hit films like Raaz, 1920, and Haunted 3D, to name a few.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bhatt reacted to the success of Obsession and said he was surprised by how familiar the story felt to Raaz, which is considered one of Bhatt’s biggest hits.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Obsession reminds Vikram Bhatt of Raaz</h2>During a recent interaction with Firstpost, Vikram Bhatt reacted to the global success of Obsession and shared that it brought back memories of Raaz, the supernatural thriller he directed in 2002. He said, “I haven’t seen Obsession, but someone was telling me the story, and I sat back, laughed and thought, ‘This is Raaz.’ It’s basically Malini of Raaz throughout the whole film. My take is that if you make a good horror film, people are going to come. This one was really good.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The filmmaker also stated that the horror genre can work without major stars. Bhatt argued that it is difficult to show prominent faces or an A-lister getting scared and running around, as it can either start looking like a comedy with comical reactions or simply feel unbelievable. He explained, “In a realistic story, if you have an A-list hero who already has a larger-than-life persona, like an Allu Arjun or a Ram Charan, it’s not going to work. There’s a resistance from A-listers. Secondly, as I have observed, people come to experience the sensation of fear. They don’t come for any actor. That’s the nature of the genre.”&nbsp;<h2>About Raaz</h2>Raaz released in 2002 and featured Bipasha Basu, Dino Morea and the late Malini Sharma in the lead. The film went on to become one of the most successful horror films in Hindi cinema. At a time when horror was often viewed as a niche genre, the film managed to attract mainstream audiences. The film’s music, mix of romance and horror worked wonders at the box office and paved the way for similar films. &nbsp;Over the years, Raaz has earned cult status and is still considered one of the defining horror films of its era.&nbsp;

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has reacted on the recent success of Hollywood film Obsession and called the film strikingly similar to his 2002 hit film Raaz, which featured Bipasha Basu, Dino Morea and Malini Sharma in the lead. 

Vikram Bhatt says he found similarities between Obsession and his hit film Raaz The world has been obsessing over the much-talked-about horror thriller Obsession. The film has gained a lot of viewers and opened up discussion about red flags in a relationship. Meanwhile, Indian filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has recently reacted to the horror-thriller, calling it similar to his film Raaz. Bhatt is known for making horror thrillers in Bollywood and has made hit films like Raaz, 1920, and Haunted 3D, to name a few. Bhatt reacted to the success of Obsession and said he was surprised by how familiar the story felt to Raaz, which is considered one of Bhatt’s biggest hits. Obsession reminds Vikram Bhatt of Raaz During a recent interaction with Firstpost, Vikram Bhatt reacted to the global success of Obsession and shared that it brought back memories of Raaz, the supernatural thriller he directed in 2002. He said, “I haven’t seen Obsession, but someone was telling me the story, and I sat back, laughed and thought, ‘This is Raaz.’ It’s basically Malini of Raaz throughout the whole film. My take is that if you make a good horror film, people are going to come. This one was really good.” The filmmaker also stated that the horror genre can work without major stars. Bhatt argued that it is difficult to show prominent faces or an A-lister getting scared and running around, as it can either start looking like a comedy with comical reactions or simply feel unbelievable. He explained, “In a realistic story, if you have an A-list hero who already has a larger-than-life persona, like an Allu Arjun or a Ram Charan, it’s not going to work. There’s a resistance from A-listers. Secondly, as I have observed, people come to experience the sensation of fear. They don’t come for any actor. That’s the nature of the genre.” About Raaz Raaz released in 2002 and featured Bipasha Basu, Dino Morea and the late Malini Sharma in the lead. The film went on to become one of the most successful horror films in Hindi cinema. At a time when horror was often viewed as a niche genre, the film managed to attract mainstream audiences. The film’s music, mix of romance and horror worked wonders at the box office and paved the way for similar films. Over the years, Raaz has earned cult status and is still considered one of the defining horror films of its era.

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has reacted on the recent success of Hollywood film Obsession and called the film strikingly similar to his 2002 hit film Raaz, which featured Bipasha Basu, Dino Morea and Malini Sharma in the lead.&nbsp;

Vikram Bhatt compares new hit Obsession to his iconic hit Raaz: ‘It’s Malini throughout the film’

Psychological horror film Obsession released in cinemas in India on May 29. Helmed by YouTuber-turned-filmmaker Curry Barker, the film explores the story of two individuals caught in a dangerous cycle of romance and entitlement, gradually losing themselves in the process. But how far can one go to achieve something, regardless of consequences — even at the cost of one's own mental sanity? At the same time, Obsession makes it so uncomfortable to watch and yet so difficult to ignore.<h2>How Does Obsession Begin? ; Why It Was Never Innocent</h2>The story follows Bear, who works at a music store alongside his friends Ian and Sarah. He confides in a friend said that he likes Nikki, one of his colleagues at the same store. There is, however, one problem, he does not have the courage to confess his feelings to her. To surprise Nikki, Bear shops for a gift at a crystal shop and buys her a One Wish Willow, a novelty toy that claims to grant one wish per person when broken.<figure class="image"><img src="https://gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2026/05/obsession-hed.jpg" alt="Here's How *That* 'Obsession' Scene Came Together"></figure>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/obsession-box-office-american-film-opens-strong-on-day-1-outgrosses-several-indian-releases-1780140872820">Obsession box office: American film opens strong on day 1, outgrosses several Indian releases</a>&nbsp;When Nikki senses Bear's feelings and asks him directly if he likes her, he quickly says no. In frustration, he breaks the One Wish Willow. He barely has time to process what he has done before Nikki appears at his door, asking to spend more time with him — to stay at his house. From that moment, unusual and disturbing circumstances begin piling up, leading to the elimination of people around them one by one, all because of one thing: Obsession.<figure class="image"><img src="https://idiva-media.ilnmedia.com/content/2026/Jun/image-1---2026-06-18T155633419_6a33d318b9aea.jpg" alt="Durex Pakistan Ad On Obsession Goes Viral Condom Company Faces Major Backlash"></figure><h2>The Main Problem: &nbsp;Bear Never Thought He Did Anything Wrong</h2>The central issue is that Bear never believes he did anything wrong — even as the consequences of his wish spiral completely out of control. In Bear's mind, Nikki's obsession with him after the wish was a harmless longing, the quiet desperation of a nice guy who simply wanted to be chosen.<figure class="image"><img src="https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/indiatoday/images/story/202606/a-scene-from-obsession-010907456-16x9_1.jpg?VersionId=UX74gOjHlfmulaffOvw_7EQjCCLqo9ki&amp;size=690:388" alt="Internet 'disgusted' by Durex Pakistan's Obsession-inspired ad over consent concerns - India Today"></figure>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/obsession-director-curry-barker-lands-major-deal-for-third-film-with-universal-and-blumhouse-1781854821164">Obsession director Curry Barker lands major deal for third film with Universal and Blumhouse</a> &nbsp;But one question persists throughout — if Bear was wrong, was Nikki not equally problematic in her entitled behaviour? Without Bear's consent, she snips his hair while he sleeps. She refuses to let him leave. She manipulates situations to make him do exactly what she wants.<h2>Does consent disappear when one is obsessed?</h2>Obsession revolves around consent, entitlement and codependency. The central themes of Obsession revolve around consent, entitlement and codependency. The film examines whether Bear is truly held accountable for what he set in motion or whether the horror of Nikki's transformation quietly redirects audience sympathy back to him.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/obsession-inspired-pakistan-condom-ad-sparks-outrage-netizens-ask-is-it-promoting-non-consensual-sex-1781759670216">Obsession-inspired Pakistan condom ad sparks outrage; netizens ask, is it promoting non-consensual sex?</a>&nbsp;Bear is not a villain in the traditional sense. He is polite, soft-spoken and well-meaning by his own measure. And yet, Bear created a dynamic that made Nikki overly clingy, erratic and possessive. This is the story of a man who blurred love into mania through a wish because he could not muster the courage to simply confess his feelings. Instead, he let supernatural forces do what he could not. The horror of getting exactly what you thought you wanted — from another person who had no say in giving it. The wish did not create love. It created dependency. Those are not the same thing.<h2>When Does Attraction in Obsession Become Fatal?</h2>Obsession inverts the familiar horror template; the wish originates with the man, but the horror originates with the woman. The question the film never fully answers is whether this inversion genuinely challenges that dynamic or simply adds a layer of irony to it. Even as things deteriorate for Bear, Nikki remains the character you truly empathise with — the real victim, trapped inside a body she cannot control.<figure class="image"><img src="https://img.theweek.in/content/dam/week/en/archive/review/movies/images/2026/5/31/obsession-movie-review-the-week.jpg" alt="Obsession' review: A creepy offspring of 'Misery' and 'Fatal Attraction' that understands the basics of good horror - The Week"></figure>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/forget-michael-and-dhurandhar-2-this-rs-7-crore-horror-film-is-2026-s-most-profitable-movie-made-in-just-20-days-1779819598259">Forget Michael and Dhurandhar 2, this Rs 7 crore horror film is 2026’s most profitable movie - made in just 20 days</a><h2>The Ending: No One Walks Away</h2>At the end of the film, after Nikki murders Ian and Sarah, Bear decides to overdose on drugs, choosing to die in order to free her from his spell. He is momentarily entranced by her in turn, caught briefly in a wish of his own making, before dying himself, leaving Nikki screaming and alone.<figure class="image"><img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.thewrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Obsession-1.jpg?fit=990%2C557&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1" alt="Obsession' Ending Explained: Together Forever? - TheWrap"></figure>The only potential upside is that Nikki is herself again. But she still has to face the consequences of everything that happened while she was brainwashed, including several murder charges, given her fingerprints are all over multiple weapons and corpses. Nobody wins. Nobody walks away clean. And that, perhaps, is exactly the point.

Psychological horror film Obsession was released in Indian cinemas on May 19, and fans are still raving about the plot, the performance and the culture of relationships. Read to know more. 

Psychological horror film Obsession released in cinemas in India on May 29. Helmed by YouTuber-turned-filmmaker Curry Barker, the film explores the story of two individuals caught in a dangerous cycle of romance and entitlement, gradually losing themselves in the process. But how far can one go to achieve something, regardless of consequences — even at the cost of one's own mental sanity? At the same time, Obsession makes it so uncomfortable to watch and yet so difficult to ignore. How Does Obsession Begin? ; Why It Was Never Innocent The story follows Bear, who works at a music store alongside his friends Ian and Sarah. He confides in a friend said that he likes Nikki, one of his colleagues at the same store. There is, however, one problem, he does not have the courage to confess his feelings to her. To surprise Nikki, Bear shops for a gift at a crystal shop and buys her a One Wish Willow, a novelty toy that claims to grant one wish per person when broken. Also Read: Obsession box office: American film opens strong on day 1, outgrosses several Indian releases When Nikki senses Bear's feelings and asks him directly if he likes her, he quickly says no. In frustration, he breaks the One Wish Willow. He barely has time to process what he has done before Nikki appears at his door, asking to spend more time with him — to stay at his house. From that moment, unusual and disturbing circumstances begin piling up, leading to the elimination of people around them one by one, all because of one thing: Obsession. The Main Problem: Bear Never Thought He Did Anything Wrong The central issue is that Bear never believes he did anything wrong — even as the consequences of his wish spiral completely out of control. In Bear's mind, Nikki's obsession with him after the wish was a harmless longing, the quiet desperation of a nice guy who simply wanted to be chosen. Also Read: Obsession director Curry Barker lands major deal for third film with Universal and Blumhouse But one question persists throughout — if Bear was wrong, was Nikki not equally problematic in her entitled behaviour? Without Bear's consent, she snips his hair while he sleeps. She refuses to let him leave. She manipulates situations to make him do exactly what she wants. Does consent disappear when one is obsessed? Obsession revolves around consent, entitlement and codependency. The central themes of Obsession revolve around consent, entitlement and codependency. The film examines whether Bear is truly held accountable for what he set in motion or whether the horror of Nikki's transformation quietly redirects audience sympathy back to him. Also Read: Obsession-inspired Pakistan condom ad sparks outrage; netizens ask, is it promoting non-consensual sex? Bear is not a villain in the traditional sense. He is polite, soft-spoken and well-meaning by his own measure. And yet, Bear created a dynamic that made Nikki overly clingy, erratic and possessive. This is the story of a man who blurred love into mania through a wish because he could not muster the courage to simply confess his feelings. Instead, he let supernatural forces do what he could not. The horror of getting exactly what you thought you wanted — from another person who had no say in giving it. The wish did not create love. It created dependency. Those are not the same thing. When Does Attraction in Obsession Become Fatal? Obsession inverts the familiar horror template; the wish originates with the man, but the horror originates with the woman. The question the film never fully answers is whether this inversion genuinely challenges that dynamic or simply adds a layer of irony to it. Even as things deteriorate for Bear, Nikki remains the character you truly empathise with — the real victim, trapped inside a body she cannot control. Also Read: Forget Michael and Dhurandhar 2, this Rs 7 crore horror film is 2026’s most profitable movie - made in just 20 days The Ending: No One Walks Away At the end of the film, after Nikki murders Ian and Sarah, Bear decides to overdose on drugs, choosing to die in order to free her from his spell. He is momentarily entranced by her in turn, caught briefly in a wish of his own making, before dying himself, leaving Nikki screaming and alone. The only potential upside is that Nikki is herself again. But she still has to face the consequences of everything that happened while she was brainwashed, including several murder charges, given her fingerprints are all over multiple weapons and corpses. Nobody wins. Nobody walks away clean. And that, perhaps, is exactly the point.

Psychological horror film Obsession was released in Indian cinemas on May 19, and fans are still raving about the plot, the performance and the culture of relationships. Read to know more.&nbsp;

Consent, entitlement or codependency? What Obsession really says about fatal attraction | Explained

Curry Barker, an American filmmaker, actor and YouTuber, who rose to fame as a viral content creator, is now basking in the success of his latest supernatural horror film, Obsession. The film has received widespread praise for blending themes of male entitlement and consequences of magical shortcuts. With the success of Obession, Curry Barker has reportedly landed a major deal for his third film.<h2>Details of Curry Barker's upcoming third film</h2>Post the succession of film Obsession, the filmmaker Curry Barker has reportedly landed the first follow-up deal with Universal Film Group along with Blumhouse Atomic Monster, as per the report of The Hollywood Reporter.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/obsession-inspired-pakistan-condom-ad-sparks-outrage-netizens-ask-is-it-promoting-non-consensual-sex-1781759670216">Obsession-inspired Pakistan condom ad sparks outrage; netizens ask, is it promoting non-consensual sex?</a>&nbsp;In addition, in what is described as an eight-figure deal, Curry Barker will write, produce and direct his third film for Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Universal. The deal keeps Barker in the Universal family, as Obsession was released by the Universal label Focus Features. Focus is also behind his already-shot second feature, Anything But Ghosts, which he wrote, directed and stars in. So far, the details of the new project are being kept secret, but it is described as a Barker original horror idea. The project was brought off of a pitch Curry Barker made to Universal's top brass.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/obsession-box-office-american-film-opens-strong-on-day-1-outgrosses-several-indian-releases-1780140872820">Obsession box office: American film opens strong on day 1, outgrosses several Indian releases</a><h2>Who is Curry Barker?</h2>Curry Barker is a renowned American comedian, actor and YouTuber, born in Mobile, Alabama. Barker left home at eighteen to study at the New York Film Academy campus in Los Angeles. In 2023, Barker wrote and directed the horror short film The Chair and uploaded it to YouTube, where it was watched more than 10 million times. Film producer James Harris of Tea Shop Productions reached out to Barker to adapt it into a feature, but Barker instead pitched his horror film Obsession (2025).&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/obsession-isn-t-perfect-but-it-s-a-lesson-that-hollywood-can-t-ignore-1780903943739">Obsession isn’t perfect, but it’s a lesson that Hollywood can’t ignore</a><h2>All about film Obsession</h2>Obsession is written, directed and edited by Curry Barker, which tells the story of Bear, a music store employee who buys a supernatural toy to make his wish come true, which is for his friend Nikki to fall in love with him, resulting in horrific consequences.&nbsp;The psychological film stars Michale Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, Andy Richter, Haley Fitzgerald and Darin Toonder, among others. Obsession premiered on September 5, 2025, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/mandalorian-and-grogu-blast-to-first-place-in-weekend-box-office-1779675784474">Mandalorian and Grogu blast to first place in weekend box office</a>&nbsp;Two days later, Focus Features entered talks to acquire distribution rights to the film for the world (excluding France, New Zealand, and Russia) for $14–$15 million, the highest price commanded by a genre film in TIFF history, with Universal Pictures International handling distribution outside the United States.

Curry Barker, the director of the latest film Obsession, has landed a deal for a third film with major production houses Universal and Blumhouse. Read to know more. 

Curry Barker, an American filmmaker, actor and YouTuber, who rose to fame as a viral content creator, is now basking in the success of his latest supernatural horror film, Obsession. The film has received widespread praise for blending themes of male entitlement and consequences of magical shortcuts. With the success of Obession, Curry Barker has reportedly landed a major deal for his third film. Details of Curry Barker's upcoming third film Post the succession of film Obsession, the filmmaker Curry Barker has reportedly landed the first follow-up deal with Universal Film Group along with Blumhouse Atomic Monster, as per the report of The Hollywood Reporter. Also Read: Obsession-inspired Pakistan condom ad sparks outrage; netizens ask, is it promoting non-consensual sex? In addition, in what is described as an eight-figure deal, Curry Barker will write, produce and direct his third film for Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Universal. The deal keeps Barker in the Universal family, as Obsession was released by the Universal label Focus Features. Focus is also behind his already-shot second feature, Anything But Ghosts, which he wrote, directed and stars in. So far, the details of the new project are being kept secret, but it is described as a Barker original horror idea. The project was brought off of a pitch Curry Barker made to Universal's top brass. Also Read: Obsession box office: American film opens strong on day 1, outgrosses several Indian releases Who is Curry Barker? Curry Barker is a renowned American comedian, actor and YouTuber, born in Mobile, Alabama. Barker left home at eighteen to study at the New York Film Academy campus in Los Angeles. In 2023, Barker wrote and directed the horror short film The Chair and uploaded it to YouTube, where it was watched more than 10 million times. Film producer James Harris of Tea Shop Productions reached out to Barker to adapt it into a feature, but Barker instead pitched his horror film Obsession (2025). Also Read: Obsession isn’t perfect, but it’s a lesson that Hollywood can’t ignore All about film Obsession Obsession is written, directed and edited by Curry Barker, which tells the story of Bear, a music store employee who buys a supernatural toy to make his wish come true, which is for his friend Nikki to fall in love with him, resulting in horrific consequences. The psychological film stars Michale Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, Andy Richter, Haley Fitzgerald and Darin Toonder, among others. Obsession premiered on September 5, 2025, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Also Read: Mandalorian and Grogu blast to first place in weekend box office Two days later, Focus Features entered talks to acquire distribution rights to the film for the world (excluding France, New Zealand, and Russia) for $14–$15 million, the highest price commanded by a genre film in TIFF history, with Universal Pictures International handling distribution outside the United States.

Curry Barker, the director of the latest film Obsession, has landed a deal for a third film with major production houses Universal and Blumhouse. Read to know more.&nbsp;

Obsession director Curry Barker lands major deal for third film with Universal and Blumhouse

You would be living under a rock if you aren’t aware of Obsession, the American film that has taken over box offices worldwide. For several weeks, the movie has been discussed for its staggering box office figures, but now it has become a subject of online chatter in Pakistan because of a condom ad. Why? Scroll to read below.&nbsp;Made by YouTuber-turned-director Curry Barker, the movie has received rave reviews for its outstanding execution and performances, which many have said is way to better than any big-budget movie.But it also sparked online debate about consent, consensual sex, and many other issues.&nbsp;Now, the brand Durex is facing backlash for how it downplayed the movie’s message about consent, love and obsession&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/obsession-isn-t-perfect-but-it-s-a-lesson-that-hollywood-can-t-ignore-1780903943739">Obsession isn’t perfect, but it’s a lesson that Hollywood can’t ignore</a><h3>Why are netizens angry over Durex Pakistan’s Obsession ad?</h3>While the movie highlights the chilling side effects of obsession, it also makes you think about many things. However, Durex Pakistan is now facing backlash for misrepresenting the movie’s message. The new controversy started after the brand shared an Instagram post inspired by the movie. Yet it took the subject of the film in a completely different direction.&nbsp;The post featured a condom packet next to the film’s fictional One Wish Willow, showing Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette, standing at her doorstep.&nbsp;&nbsp;What triggered netizens was the tagline, which said, “Make her obsessed with you,” while the caption read, “Send this to your Freaky Nikki!''&nbsp;The scene referenced comes right after Bear wishes that Nikki should love him the most in the whole world, and the next thing we see is her standing at his door. What follows is her obsession with Bear, which ultimately ends after his death. Soon after the campaign was shared, netizens began slamming the advertisement for misunderstanding the subject of the movie and representing it in the wrong way and promoting non-consensual sex.

Still of Durex Instagram post

In the post, that has now being deleted, netizens were quick to comment.&nbsp;One user called the ad,“This is literally disgusting.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/obsession-box-office-american-film-opens-strong-on-day-1-outgrosses-several-indian-releases-1780140872820">Obsession box office: American film opens strong on day 1, outgrosses several Indian releases</a>&nbsp;Another one wrote,“The one wish willow beside the condom is just disgusting like why are we promoting non consensual sex? You’re awful.”&nbsp;In the movie, there are several unsettling moments when Nikki's actions speak to her obsession, but her facial expressions show that she has no feelings for Bear and is doing all of this forcefully. Whether it's intimate moments between Nikki and Bear, or Nikki mumbling in her sleep, the message is clear of how uncomfortable she's in.&nbsp;<h3>What is Obsession about?</h3>Not horror, but Obsession is one of the psychologically disturbing movies. Made in a budget of approximately $750,000, the movie has earned 10 times its budget at the box office. Not only that, but it also earned outstanding reactions from critics and audiences alike for its subject, which shows the most horrific side of the wish.

Obsession has again gone viral over a condom ad. Netizens accuse the brand of misrepresenting and downplaying the movie’s message about consent.

You would be living under a rock if you aren’t aware of Obsession, the American film that has taken over box offices worldwide. For several weeks, the movie has been discussed for its staggering box office figures, but now it has become a subject of online chatter in Pakistan because of a condom ad. Why? Scroll to read below. Made by YouTuber-turned-director Curry Barker, the movie has received rave reviews for its outstanding execution and performances, which many have said is way to better than any big-budget movie.But it also sparked online debate about consent, consensual sex, and many other issues. Now, the brand Durex is facing backlash for how it downplayed the movie’s message about consent, love and obsession Also read: Obsession isn’t perfect, but it’s a lesson that Hollywood can’t ignore Why are netizens angry over Durex Pakistan’s Obsession ad? While the movie highlights the chilling side effects of obsession, it also makes you think about many things. However, Durex Pakistan is now facing backlash for misrepresenting the movie’s message. The new controversy started after the brand shared an Instagram post inspired by the movie. Yet it took the subject of the film in a completely different direction. The post featured a condom packet next to the film’s fictional One Wish Willow, showing Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette, standing at her doorstep. What triggered netizens was the tagline, which said, “Make her obsessed with you,” while the caption read, “Send this to your Freaky Nikki!'' The scene referenced comes right after Bear wishes that Nikki should love him the most in the whole world, and the next thing we see is her standing at his door. What follows is her obsession with Bear, which ultimately ends after his death. Soon after the campaign was shared, netizens began slamming the advertisement for misunderstanding the subject of the movie and representing it in the wrong way and promoting non-consensual sex.

Obsession has again gone viral over a condom ad. Netizens accuse the brand of misrepresenting and downplaying the movie’s message about consent.&nbsp;

Obsession-inspired Pakistan condom ad sparks outrage; netizens ask, is it promoting non-consensual sex?

The Mandalorian and Grogu have arrived in theatres, the latest Star Wars film, but the movie everyone’s actually talking about is Obsession. Released with little to no major promotion, or we say smart promotions, this horror film, or, what I may call a traumatic experience, has taken the world by storm, surpassing all expectations. The film has completely blown audiences away, not just in the United States, but globally. Word-of-mouth and social media buzz have turned it into an unexpected box office phenomenon. But what is it about this movie that has everyone talking? Does it have groundbreaking VFX? A-list stars? Out-of-this-world locations? If not, then what is it about Obsession that has catapulted it to unprecedented success and given big studios with massive budgets a lesson to learn?&nbsp;YouTuber-turned-filmmaker Curry Barker’s low-budget movie is doing the unthinkable. Although the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, it went unnoticed, like many festival movies, because it had no star power or promotion. Audiences, who often focus on starry premieres, overlooked it. Cut to May 15. When the movie hit theatres, the world finally saw what Barker had in store, a wish of his that has probably come true.<h3>Obsession</h3>While the movie may be in the headlines for its box office earnings and becoming the most profitable film of the year, there are several other good reasons to talk about it. It’s how Barker has proved that stories can be told on a shoestring budget, without hundreds of thousands of dollars or a huge cast (Big studios to think here), and what you really need is the perfect cast, the perfect direction, perfect storytelling, and altogether, the result is the Obsession.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/obsession-box-office-american-film-opens-strong-on-day-1-outgrosses-several-indian-releases-1780140872820">Obsession box office: American film opens strong on day 1, outgrosses several Indian releases</a>&nbsp;Set in a town, the movie revolves around &nbsp;Bear (Michael Johnson), the boy who has feelings for his college, Nikki (Inde Navarrette). She's nice to her, and he's afraid of confessing his feelings to her. While he's juggling his feelings, he sees a One Wish Willow, a game, which has a wooden stick. So what you have to do is to make a wish and break it. So, Bear, despite being warned by the shop woman, buys and makes the wish that Nikki should love him most in the whole world. What he wished, he got. In a snap of a minute, Nikki is all obsessed and in love with Bear. What starts as a dream come true for the one-sided crush quickly turns dark, as Bear soon realises that his wish was nothing less than a death wish. This is probably what he wanted and was desperately needed way too soon.<h3>The terrifying side of love</h3>Barker has crafted the world of Obsession to be not just horrific but truly terrifying. This terror does not come from a ghost howling in the shadows, or from exorcisms. No priests are chanting, no demons clawing at the walls. The horror here is emotional. It’s psychological. Obsession is a metaphor for how dangerous human emotions can go overboard, how loving a person is seen as owning them. With this, the director describes how the scariest monster isn’t supernatural, always.&nbsp;

Still from Obsession

<h3>Barker's world of Obsession</h3>Michael and Navarrette are the two talents who carry this 1h 48m film almost single-handedly. I’m not saying Obsession is flawless; at times, the movie does feel overstretched. But this drag is quickly covered with genuinely spooky and terrifying moments that are shot in a limited space of a house, a restaurant, and that's all. But all this works because Barker has imagined this world with a masterful sense, and presents it in a way that feels even more demonic. With a simple home setup, a few scenes in the film are so well shot, but what works here is the performance, and Navarette truly won here. Her swift emotions are real, not forced.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/forget-michael-and-dhurandhar-2-this-rs-7-crore-horror-film-is-2026-s-most-profitable-movie-made-in-just-20-days-1779819598259">Forget Michael and Dhurandhar 2, this Rs 7 crore horror film is 2026’s most profitable movie - made in just 20 days</a>

For example when Nikki wants Bear close. One second, she’s screaming in his ear, desperately. Next, she’s calm. Even in the gorier scenes, her face is all bloody, she looks miserable, broken, but her expressions stay smooth, like nothing is wrong. That’s what makes it land. It’s raw. It’s human. And apparently, the most chilling horror doesn’t need demons. Sometimes, it is just the most terrible and almost unimaginable sight of a room where two people are living a life together, but neither of them truly belongs there.<h3>Obsession is not the perfect film, but it’s a lesson</h3>Obsession has its faults. At times, the pacing drags and makes you check your watch. But look at what Barker has done with an approximately $750,000 to $1 million budget. A limited cast. And yet he delivers what many big production houses are failing to do - tell a story that feels fresh and terrifying. That’s the real gut-punch of Obsession. It’s proof that great stories and great talent don’t always get the platform they deserve.&nbsp;In an industry which is now obsessed with $200M budgets, endless VFX, Obsession is proof for studio executives watching: audiences don’t crave spectacle. They crave stories and performance.&nbsp;

Made in a budget of approximately $750,000 to $1 million, Obsession, made by a YouTuber turned filmmaker, Curry Barker, has crossed $200 million globally. Here's what the lesson Hollywood must learn. 

The Mandalorian and Grogu have arrived in theatres, the latest Star Wars film, but the movie everyone’s actually talking about is Obsession. Released with little to no major promotion, or we say smart promotions, this horror film, or, what I may call a traumatic experience, has taken the world by storm, surpassing all expectations. The film has completely blown audiences away, not just in the United States, but globally. Word-of-mouth and social media buzz have turned it into an unexpected box office phenomenon. But what is it about this movie that has everyone talking? Does it have groundbreaking VFX? A-list stars? Out-of-this-world locations? If not, then what is it about Obsession that has catapulted it to unprecedented success and given big studios with massive budgets a lesson to learn? YouTuber-turned-filmmaker Curry Barker’s low-budget movie is doing the unthinkable. Although the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, it went unnoticed, like many festival movies, because it had no star power or promotion. Audiences, who often focus on starry premieres, overlooked it. Cut to May 15. When the movie hit theatres, the world finally saw what Barker had in store, a wish of his that has probably come true. Obsession While the movie may be in the headlines for its box office earnings and becoming the most profitable film of the year, there are several other good reasons to talk about it. It’s how Barker has proved that stories can be told on a shoestring budget, without hundreds of thousands of dollars or a huge cast (Big studios to think here), and what you really need is the perfect cast, the perfect direction, perfect storytelling, and altogether, the result is the Obsession. Also read: Obsession box office: American film opens strong on day 1, outgrosses several Indian releases Set in a town, the movie revolves around Bear (Michael Johnson), the boy who has feelings for his college, Nikki (Inde Navarrette). She's nice to her, and he's afraid of confessing his feelings to her. While he's juggling his feelings, he sees a One Wish Willow, a game, which has a wooden stick. So what you have to do is to make a wish and break it. So, Bear, despite being warned by the shop woman, buys and makes the wish that Nikki should love him most in the whole world. What he wished, he got. In a snap of a minute, Nikki is all obsessed and in love with Bear. What starts as a dream come true for the one-sided crush quickly turns dark, as Bear soon realises that his wish was nothing less than a death wish. This is probably what he wanted and was desperately needed way too soon. The terrifying side of love Barker has crafted the world of Obsession to be not just horrific but truly terrifying. This terror does not come from a ghost howling in the shadows, or from exorcisms. No priests are chanting, no demons clawing at the walls. The horror here is emotional. It’s psychological. Obsession is a metaphor for how dangerous human emotions can go overboard, how loving a person is seen as owning them. With this, the director describes how the scariest monster isn’t supernatural, always.

Made in a budget of approximately $750,000 to $1 million, Obsession, made by a YouTuber turned filmmaker, Curry Barker, has crossed $200 million globally. Here's what the lesson Hollywood must learn.&nbsp;

Obsession isn’t perfect, but it’s a lesson that Hollywood can’t ignore

Obsession, the Hollywood horror-thriller, is the film no one saw coming. Debuting in the US on May 15, the movie’s box office performance surprised many as it became the audience’s first preference over other star-studded films.&nbsp;After a two-week delay, the movie arrived in India on May 29 and is performing exceptionally well. Directed by YouTuber Curry Barker, the horror-thriller stars Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette.<h3>Obsession box office: Here's how much the movie has earned in India</h3>After Obsession became a talking point online, the movie was released in India. Strong word of mouth drove many movie buffs to catch the first-day, first-show. As per Sacnilk, the horror-drama recorded a gross collection of Rs 2.10 crore on Friday, May 29.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/forget-michael-and-dhurandhar-2-this-rs-7-crore-horror-film-is-2026-s-most-profitable-movie-made-in-just-20-days-1779819598259">Forget Michael and Dhurandhar 2, this Rs 7 crore horror film is 2026’s most profitable movie - made in just 20 days</a>&nbsp;This Friday, there were no major releases except Jackie Shroff’s The Great Grand Superhero and competition from Ananya Panday and Lakshya’s Chand Mera Dil. While the movie still has to prove a strong footing, despite being an international film, it has performed well in comparison to Indian movies.&nbsp;Ananya's film did a net collection of ₹1.30 crore; meanwhile, Shroff's film did only ₹0.25 crore in business.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/emilia-clarke-breaks-her-silence-on-earning-300-000-per-episode-on-game-of-thrones-can-you-imagine-1780126947908">Emilia Clarke breaks her silence on earning $300,000 per episode on GOT</a><h2>Obsession: The most profitable movie of the year</h2>Made on a budget of Rs 20 crore, the horror film has emerged as one of the most profitable movies, with earnings that have surpassed $100,642,650, as per The Numbers. With the numbers the movie is earning, it has emerged as one of the most profitable films in years. Obsession has already surpassed big-budget movies like Michael, Project Hail Mary, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and in India, Dhurandhar: The Revenge is on the list of the year's most profitable films.&nbsp;Besides Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette, the movie also stars Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, Andy Richter, Haley Fitzgerald, and others in key roles.&nbsp;Written, edited, and directed by Curry Barker, the film features music composed by Carter Burwell, while Taylor Clemons handled the cinematography. The 1h 48m horror movie is R-rated and has earned outstanding reviews. The movie has 96% Tomatometer and 94% Popcornmeter ratings on review aggregator website RottenTomatoes.com. The movie has scored an A- grade on CinemaScore exit polls.

Helmed by Curry Barker, a 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-filmmaker, this movie was made in just 20 days on a mere $750,000 budget.  Two week after it's release in US, the movie has been released in India. 

Obsession, the Hollywood horror-thriller, is the film no one saw coming. Debuting in the US on May 15, the movie’s box office performance surprised many as it became the audience’s first preference over other star-studded films. After a two-week delay, the movie arrived in India on May 29 and is performing exceptionally well. Directed by YouTuber Curry Barker, the horror-thriller stars Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette. Obsession box office: Here's how much the movie has earned in India After Obsession became a talking point online, the movie was released in India. Strong word of mouth drove many movie buffs to catch the first-day, first-show. As per Sacnilk, the horror-drama recorded a gross collection of Rs 2.10 crore on Friday, May 29. Also read: Forget Michael and Dhurandhar 2, this Rs 7 crore horror film is 2026’s most profitable movie - made in just 20 days This Friday, there were no major releases except Jackie Shroff’s The Great Grand Superhero and competition from Ananya Panday and Lakshya’s Chand Mera Dil. While the movie still has to prove a strong footing, despite being an international film, it has performed well in comparison to Indian movies. Ananya's film did a net collection of ₹1.30 crore; meanwhile, Shroff's film did only ₹0.25 crore in business. Also read: Emilia Clarke breaks her silence on earning $300,000 per episode on GOT Obsession: The most profitable movie of the year Made on a budget of Rs 20 crore, the horror film has emerged as one of the most profitable movies, with earnings that have surpassed $100,642,650, as per The Numbers. With the numbers the movie is earning, it has emerged as one of the most profitable films in years. Obsession has already surpassed big-budget movies like Michael, Project Hail Mary, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and in India, Dhurandhar: The Revenge is on the list of the year's most profitable films. Besides Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette, the movie also stars Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, Andy Richter, Haley Fitzgerald, and others in key roles. Written, edited, and directed by Curry Barker, the film features music composed by Carter Burwell, while Taylor Clemons handled the cinematography. The 1h 48m horror movie is R-rated and has earned outstanding reviews. The movie has 96% Tomatometer and 94% Popcornmeter ratings on review aggregator website RottenTomatoes.com. The movie has scored an A- grade on CinemaScore exit polls.

Helmed by Curry Barker, a 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-filmmaker, this movie was made in just 20 days on a mere $750,000 budget. &nbsp;Two week after it's release in US, the movie has been released in India.&nbsp;

Obsession box office: American film opens strong on day 1, outgrosses several Indian releases

The year 2026 is ruled by mega-blockbusters, and as movies across the world continue to earn big bucks, it's a low-budget horror film, Obsession, that has taken the box office by storm. The movie that has audiences obsessed was released on May 15.&nbsp;Made on a production budget of $1 million, it has become one of the most profitable movies of the year.<h2>Why ‘Obsession’ is being called 2026’s most profitable film?</h2>Emerging as one of the most profitable films in years, Obsession has already surpassed big-budget movies like Michael, Project Hail Mary, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and in India, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, on the list of the year's most profitable films.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/here-s-where-ranveer-singh-visited-a-day-after-fwice-ban-hint-kantara-1779788086414">Here's where Ranveer Singh visited a day after FWICE ban. Hint: Kantara</a>&nbsp;Setting the record straight, the movie which is in it's second week in theatres has earned $75,489,000 at the worldwide box office, as per the Numbers.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BIG OBSESSION SPOILER HERE This is arguably my favorite scene in the movie. The music, the way that it&#39;s shot, the building tension, Inde Navarrette doing an ASTOUNDING job at portraying the fear and panic that real Nikki was feeling then snapping back. <a href="https://t.co/jRfELFThuc">https://t.co/jRfELFThuc</a>&mdash; 𝕵𝖔𝖘𝖍 ⚰️ (@VoicesInShadows) <a href="https://twitter.com/VoicesInShadows/status/2056819336614957312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

What's more surprising is that the movie has become audiences' first choice even as Hollywood tentpole releases like The Mandalorian and Grogu, Michael, and The Devil Wears Prada 2 are available in theatres. In India, the same can be said against Ranveer Singh's spy thriller.&nbsp;However, the movie emerged as a strong indie breakout and continues to perform exceptionally well, with credit going to word-of-mouth and audience reactions.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/stephen-colbert-returns-to-tv-just-23-hours-after-the-late-show-finale-to-roast-cbs-and-paramount-1779762370188">Stephen Colbert returns to TV just 23 hours after Late Show finale to roast CBS</a>&nbsp;In the second weekend, followed by Memorial Day holiday, the movie earned $23.9 million from 2,655 North American theaters in its week 2 and $30.2 million through the Memorial Day holiday.

The 1h 48m horror movie is R rated and has earned outstanding reviews. The movie has 96% Tomatometer and 94% popcornmeter rating at review aggregator website Rottentomatoes.com. The movie has scored A- grade on CinemaScore exit polls.&nbsp;The movie that has pulled off a rare box office is going strong, despite the tough competition from the big releases.<h2>More about Indie horror film, Obsession</h2>Helmed by Curry Barker, a 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-filmmaker, this movie was made in just 20 days on a mere $750,000 budget, as per NBC News.&nbsp;Packed with dark, horrific, and extreme scenes, the movie revolves around Michael Johnston as Bear, who buys a supernatural toy and wishes for his childhood friend Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette, to fall in love with him. But his this wish leads to horrific and shocking results.&nbsp;''After breaking the mysterious "One Wish Willow" to win his crush's heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price,'' reads the synopsis of the movie.&nbsp;Obsession premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was released in&nbsp;theatres on May 15.&nbsp;

Emerging as one of the most profitable films in years, Obsession has already surpassed big-budget movies like Michael, Project Hail Mary, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and in India, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, on the list of the year's most profitable films.

The year 2026 is ruled by mega-blockbusters, and as movies across the world continue to earn big bucks, it's a low-budget horror film, Obsession, that has taken the box office by storm. The movie that has audiences obsessed was released on May 15. Made on a production budget of $1 million, it has become one of the most profitable movies of the year. Why ‘Obsession’ is being called 2026’s most profitable film? Emerging as one of the most profitable films in years, Obsession has already surpassed big-budget movies like Michael, Project Hail Mary, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and in India, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, on the list of the year's most profitable films. Also read: Here's where Ranveer Singh visited a day after FWICE ban. Hint: Kantara Setting the record straight, the movie which is in it's second week in theatres has earned $75,489,000 at the worldwide box office, as per the Numbers.

Emerging as one of the most profitable films in years, Obsession has already surpassed big-budget movies like Michael, Project Hail Mary, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and in India, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, on the list of the year's most profitable films.

Forget Michael and Dhurandhar 2, this Rs 7 crore horror film is 2026’s most profitable movie - made in just 20 days

In a bizarre case, the doctors diagnosed an 18-year-old Chinese girl to be suffering from a “love brain” after she called her boyfriend more than 100 times in one day.

In a bizarre case, the doctors diagnosed an 18-year-old Chinese girl to be suffering from a “love brain” after she called her boyfriend more than 100 times in one day. The girl, who has been nicknamed Xiaoyu, hails from Sichuan province in southwestern China. As reported by Yueniu News, she became so obsessed with her boyfriend that it impacted her mental health severely and made his life also miserable. Doctor at The Fourth People’s Hospital of Chengdu Du Na said that the worrying behaviour of Xiaoyu started in her first year of university, as reported by South China Morning Post. Obsession with her boyfriend and discovery of love brain Soon after entering college, the girl reportedly developed an intimate relationship with her boyfriend. However, he soon started feeling stifled and uncomfortable after she became dependent on him and asked him to stay with her all the time. She also asked her boyfriend to constantly inform her about his whereabouts and wanted him to reply to her texts at all hours of day and night. Also Read: Athens turns orange! Haze envelops city as Sahara dust storm blocks sunlight “He was expected to reply to her messages immediately,” said Du. In a viral video, Xiaoyu was seen messaging her boyfriend repeatedly and asking him to switch on his WeChat camera. The boyfriend did not respond to her messages, however, the girl went on to make video calls to him which was also ignored by him. Why did her boyfriend call the police? The situation continued to worsen and on one fine day, the girl called her boyfriend more than 100 times, however, he did not respond. She lost her cool, started throwing household objects, and smashed a few in the house. The boyfriend dialled the police who reached the house just when she was threatening to jump from a balcony. Xiaoyu was admitted to the hospital where the doctors found that she was suffering from a borderline personality disorder, colloquially known as “love brain”. Watch: Decoding the new workplace trend: What is dry promotion? According to Du, the condition is likely to coexist with other mental illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety. The cause of Xiaoyu’s illness was not disclosed, however, Du said that it was often found in people who did not have a healthy relationship with their parents in their childhood. She added that those who are suffering from the condition mildly can recover on their own once they learn how to manage their emotions. However, those who have extreme symptoms need medical help. (With inputs from agencies) If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

Bizzare! 'Love brain' disorder diagnosed in Chinese girl after she called her boyfriend 100 times a day

It seems like actress Emma Roberts, who is turning 28 next month, is obsessed with creepy dolls. Roberts posted a photograph of herself with a Blythe Doll on Instagram and wrote, "I got an early birthday gift and her name is Bloom!

It seems like actress Emma Roberts, who is turning 28 next month, is obsessed with creepy dolls. Roberts posted a photograph of herself with a Blythe Doll on Instagram and wrote, "I got an early birthday gift and her name is Bloom! Who wants more doll content?" View this post on Instagram I got an early birthday gift and her name is Bloom! 💙 who wants more doll content? 🤣 A post shared by Emma Roberts (@emmaroberts) on Jan 18, 2019 at 10:49am PST × This is not the first time when Roberts has openly shown her love for scary-looking dolls. In June last year, she posted a photo holding two of the toys against her chest with the caption, "Where my doll lovers at?" View this post on Instagram Where my doll lovers at? 💝 A post shared by Emma Roberts (@emmaroberts) on Jun 4, 2018 at 9:00am PDT × Roberts even acknowledged her obsession with creepy dolls by posting an image of another type of doll. Alongside the photograph, she wrote, "The best sisters in the world @britelkin @kakeykake got me the best birthday gift in the galaxy. Thank you. My doll obsession continues." View this post on Instagram The best sisters in the world @britelkin @kakeykake got me the best birthday gift in the galaxy 🌌 thank you 🌙 my doll obsession continues @erica_borghstijn A post shared by Emma Roberts (@emmaroberts) on Feb 23, 2018 at 2:27pm PST × Interestingly, Roberts love for creepy dolls is not new. Who knows a place to get Blythe Dolls on the internet? Having an oddly difficult time finding.... — Emma Roberts (@RobertsEmma) January 30, 2015 × In 2015, she was on the hunt to expand her collection. "Who knows a place to get Blythe Dolls on the internet?" she tweeted in January 2015.

Emma Roberts obsessed with creepy dolls

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Bizzare! 'Love brain' disorder diagnosed in Chinese girl after she called her boyfriend 100 times a day

Emma Roberts obsessed with creepy dolls