A storm is brewing in Bollywood as the terms block bookings and corporate bookings take center stage. Recently, trade analyst Komal Nahta accused the makers of Sky Force, starring Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya, of using these tactics to inflate box-office numbers. This was followed by similar accusations against the makers of Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, fueling suspicions that the same producers, Maddock Films, might be involved in manipulating ticket sales.

So, what exactly is block and corporate booking? Block booking involves a producer, actor, or studio purchasing multiple tickets to fill theaters, even if the seats remain empty. On the other hand, corporate bookings occur when brands buy large quantities of tickets for promotional deals, creating the illusion of high demand. This leads to sold-out screens on booking apps, misleading audiences into believing the film is a box-office hit.

The practice isn't new. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared that such tactics have been used since the '70s when actors would purchase tickets to create houseful boards. While exhibitors don’t mind since the tickets are technically sold, the industry's credibility is at stake, with accusations of fraud against the masses.

Filmmaker Kunal Kohli called these tactics “rubbish,” while Shibasish Sarkar from the Producers Guild warned that it’s damaging the industry’s reputation. As more filmmakers and analysts weigh in, one thing is clear: Bollywood’s obsession with numbers is clouding the reality of film success.