The trend of corporate and block bookings was once an industry secret. Now, it’s openly discussed, with many questioning whether this practice helps or harms the film business.
Recently, director Karan Johar shared his thoughts on the subject.
In a podcast with trade analyst Komal Nahta, Karan addressed how filmmakers are buying bulk tickets for their own films to boost box office numbers. He laughed at the idea, saying that if someone gives themselves 1 crore and then celebrates earning it, one must ask — is that clever or foolish?
Karan added that if someone enjoys doing this, they’re free to continue, but he personally finds the practice pointless. He believes audiences don’t care about inflated numbers — they only care about whether a film is worth watching.
He criticised the industry for promoting fake success stories through corporate bookings, saying such tactics only make filmmakers look desperate. According to him, the film business is harming its own credibility by chasing artificial box office highs.
Karan also explained that this system, often called “self-booking,” involves agencies that fill theatre seats for money. While this may create the illusion of success, it damages the industry in the long run by denying filmmakers honest audience feedback.
He concluded that the industry often ends up sabotaging itself, and corporate bookings are a perfect example of how it continues to shoot itself in the foot.
