In this explosive interview with THR Buzz, veteran film trade analyst Komal Nahta pulls back the curtain on Bollywood's most controversial practice - box office manipulation. Nahta reveals how some producers and stars spend up to 30 crore rupees buying their own tickets just to create the illusion of success, with empty theaters showing as "houseful" online. He explains the detailed mechanics behind this deception, including the use of corporate bookings, brand endorsement funds, and specialized agents who distribute tickets.

Beyond the numbers, Nahta discusses the damaging long-term consequences for the film industry, including inflated star fees and misrepresentation to audiences and streaming platforms. This candid conversation exposes how the practice has evolved from a minor issue to an "industry malady" in the post-pandemic era, with Nahta calling for greater transparency and industry-wide accountability to put an end to what he describes as a "disgusting trend" that serves only to massage egos at the expense of the entire film business.

In this candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India's THR Buzz, celebrated filmmaker Anees Bazmee opens up about his remarkable journey from writer to one of Bollywood's most successful comedy directors. With Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 crossing the Rs 400 crore mark worldwide, Anees reflects on his 50-year career in cinema, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from iconic films like No Entry, Welcome, and Singh Is Kinng. The director reveals how he transitioned from writing for legends like Raj Kapoor to directing multi-starrer comedies with Bollywood's biggest names including Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Anil Kapoor.

Anees discusses the evolution of comedy in Indian cinema, his unique approach to managing large ensemble casts, and the famous painting from Welcome that has become a cultural phenomenon. He shares touching memories of working with the late Irrfan Khan, his collaboration with legendary painter M.F. Husain on Gaja Gamini, and why he believes emotional honesty is the key to successful filmmaking. From writing scripts overnight to shooting in 50-degree desert heat, Anees provides rare insights into the craft of comedy filmmaking and why he remains optimistic about the genre despite changing audience tastes.

In this episode of THR Buzz, host Justin brings together two of the most respected and outspoken film exhibitors in India - Akkshay Rathie and Vishek Chauhan. The trio dives deep into the phenomenal box office success of 'Saiyaara', the Yash Raj Films romantic drama that has taken the nation by storm with newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. They analyze how this love story managed to gross over ₹400 crores worldwide, becoming the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025, while comparing its impact to iconic debuts like Hrithik Roshan in 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai'.

The conversation spans multiple fascinating topics including the evolution of stardom in post-COVID Bollywood, the surprising success of animated film 'Mahavatar Narsimha', and the changing dynamics of theatrical releases. Vishek and Akkshay share their candid insights on why certain superstars like Salman Khan need to reinvent themselves, how films like 'Raid 2' and 'Sitaare Zameen Par' performed despite expectations, and what the historic Independence Day clash between 'War 2' and 'Coolie' means for Indian cinema. They also discuss the cross-pollination of talent between Hindi and South Indian cinema, marking a new era where the lines between regional industries are blurring.

In this engaging episode of THR Buzz, The Hollywood Reporter India sits down with celebrated celebrity photographer Vaishnav Praveen, who shares his remarkable journey from investment banking to becoming one of Bollywood's most sought-after photographers. Vaishnav takes us behind the scenes of his extraordinary career transformation and the pivotal moment when his collaboration with Sonam Kapoor revolutionized pre-event photography in the Indian film industry.

With candid storytelling, Vaishnav reveals the challenges and triumphs of working with A-list celebrities, including his 15-day shoot with Deepika Padukone in Cannes where he transformed everything from tunnels to baby pools into stunning backdrops. He shares touching anecdotes about industry kindness, including how a paparazzi once saved a shoot by lending him a camera when his battery died, and how Sonam Kapoor graciously rewarded the photographer with exclusive photos.

The conversation delves into the technical and personal aspects of celebrity photography - from managing tight timeframes and equipment failures to creating the perfect atmosphere with personalized music selections for different stars. Vaishnav also discusses his approach to shooting various personalities distinctively, his creative process, and provides five essential tips for aspiring celebrity photographers. A must-watch for photography enthusiasts, film industry followers, and anyone interested in the art of capturing perfect celebrity moments.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Rajeev and Uday, two powerhouses in Bollywood talent management, as they take us behind the scenes of DCA, one of India's premier talent agencies. In this candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, they discuss the realities of managing actors, the art of saying no to projects, and the delicate balance between ambition and delusion in the film industry.

Rajeev and Uday share their honest perspectives on the changing landscape of Bollywood, from managing social media controversies to navigating brand partnerships and handling difficult conversations with talent. They offer rare insights into how casting decisions are actually made and the truth about what it takes to succeed in an increasingly competitive industry.

From the challenges of entourage costs to the volatile world of influencers transitioning to acting, this conversation peels back the curtain on the day-to-day realities of talent management. As Rajeev aptly puts it, "Anyone who tells you they can get an actor a film is telling you lies" – just one of many unfiltered truths shared in this must-watch interview from THR Buzz.