Are Box Office Numbers Manufactured? | THR Buzz | Komal Nahta

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.