In recent times, many cases have come to light where films show houseful status, but the halls remain empty. Why is that?
Film trade expert Komal Nahta, in a recent interview, addressed this practice.
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Known as block booking, self-booking, or corporate booking, this occurs when producers, filmmakers, or actors buy and hoard film tickets to inflate the number of tickets sold.
This manipulation creates the illusion of a massive box office success, but the reality is far from it.
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Nahta revealed that while this practice existed before the pandemic, the scale was much smaller. Producers would buy at most 800 to 1,000 tickets.
However, in recent months, block booking has skyrocketed, with thousands and even lakhs of tickets being purchased to artificially boost figures.
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He strongly criticized this trend, calling those involved deranged and retarded, questioning how their conscience allows them to sleep at night.
Highlighting the adverse effects, he explained that while producers may see short-term benefits, in the long run, this practice will harm them and the film industry.
One major consequence? Overpriced, undeserving actors.
When an actor delivers a supposed “super hit” purely through block bookings, they start demanding exorbitant fees regardless of their actual talent.
Ironically, the same producers who engage in this practice will suffer when actors demand astronomical paychecks.
Some films that trade analysts have openly accused of block booking include Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, Heropanti 2, Satyaprem Ki Katha, Dunki, Salaar, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Sky Force, and even Chhaava.
As an audience, we are also responsible for promoting such practices. By ignoring and not calling out these fake box office hits, we allow this deception to continue.
If we want to see quality cinema in the future, we must speak up. Complaining about the state of theatres won’t bring change. We must actively stop such practices.
