New Delhi, May 8 -- The bravest thing Hollywood did this year was to surrender.

Ryan Coogler, the audacious director behind Fruitvale Station, Black Panther and Creed, signed a creative production deal so revolutionary it deserves a standing ovation. For his new blockbuster Sinners, currently in theatres and easily the best IMAX experience you'll have this year, Coogler dictated the terms-all the terms. Not only does Coogler direct and produce Sinners, he owns it. Future spin-offs, sequels, series, side-projects-all will happen (or not happen) entirely at his discretion. The studio doesn't get to override him, replace him, or dilute his vision with corporate gloss. In an era where "franchise" is synonymous with "factory farming", this is...