Box office numbers of films have become a parameter for filmmakers to showcase how well their film is doing. While the numbers are always tweeted by trade analysts, Producer Ronnie Screwvala sparked debate recently when he tweeted to the analysts asking them to share real figures of Akshay Kumar starrer Housefull 4.
He tweeted:
Isn’t it time everyone reports Box Office numbers accurately! @KomalNahta @taran_adarsh … accuracy of information builds CREDIBILITY which the movie industry needs so badly … and not sure how long-to appease egos will Studios and all keep encouraging pumped up data on numbers
— Ronnie Screwvala (@RonnieScrewvala) October 29, 2019
Analyst, Komal Nahta had responded to Ronnie saying that the numbers are given by producers and spoke about how they as trade analysts have no control over them.
That’s asking for too much in India in general.Nothing will be achieved till producers decide to be honest.Finally,the source of information is producers/distributors/exhibitors. If they don’t stop providing inflated figures, getting real figures will be an uphill task for anyone
— Komal Nahta (@KomalNahta) October 29, 2019
Now, as per a report in Midday, another trade expert, Amol Mehra acknowledged Ronnie’s message and spoke to the tabloid about how sharing inflated figures isn’t a new practice.
Amol said,
Everyone is in the race to prove that they have the highest collection on a particular day as this justifies the actor’s remuneration and builds his credibility. But it’s high time that we have a central agency that records the exact collection.
He further added:
According to my source, the first-day collection of Housefull 4 was in the range of Rs 13-14 crore whereas the official figure given out was Rs 19 crore. There was also a difference of Rs 6 crore between my estimate and the official number given out for the fourth day [Monday] collections. So, the question of who is right and who is wrong arises.
Another expert, Taran Adarsh also spoke about the need for transparency.
I wouldn’t like to comment on Ronnie’s tweet, nor would I like to point a finger at anyone, but there has to be transparency. It is important for the four wheels of the industry — producers, distributors, exhibitors and actors — to have access to the correct numbers. The question arises whether makers are bold enough to admit when a film fails.
What are your thoughts about this one?