The romantic drama Sanam Teri Kasam made an unexpected impact at the box office with its re-release. The film reportedly sold 69,000 tickets on its first day across national cinema chains. This surprising number even surpassed Interstellar, a globally acclaimed Hollywood film.
The massive ticket sales raised eyebrows in the industry, with many questioning the authenticity of these figures.
Unrealistic Numbers?
Sanam Teri Kasam was a 2016 release that performed modestly at the box office. Although the film gained a cult following in subsequent years, 69,000 tickets on its first day of re-release seems highly improbable.
Trade analysts and industry experts have questioned these figures, believing block bookings have been used to inflate the numbers.
What Are Block Bookings?
Block booking is the process of purchasing large numbers of tickets in a block to give an impression that a lot of people want to see the film. This practice has been previously employed to improve opening numbers and create artificial hype.
Several exhibitors and distributors have reported an abnormal pattern in the ticket sales of Sanam Teri Kasam re-release. This also strengthens the case that the numbers were not natural.
Industry Experts React
Some industry insiders and cinema experts believe this move is adversely affecting the goodwill of Bollywood films.
A top distributor commented, “These numbers do not ring a bell. The audiences never came in big way before its release. We find out of blue sales reaching to records? Does not match.”
Many tickets went unredeemed; obviously purchased for that cause to prop up box office.
Re-Releases Now On Similar Lines?
Inflated box office numbers are not new in Bollywood. Many big-budget films have been accused of using similar strategies in the past. However, using such tactics for a re-release is shocking.
Usually, re-released films attract only a niche audience who loved the original film. The fact that Sanam Teri Kasam outperformed a Hollywood blockbuster like Interstellar is difficult to believe.
Bollywood Needs to Stop These Tactics
It threatens the credibility of Bollywood when such practices become the norm. False numbers create hype, misleading both audiences and investors.
Many film lovers and trade insiders have appealed to filmmakers and producers to put an end to such deceptive tactics. If this trend continues, the industry will lose trust and goodwill.
A senior box office analyst said, “Genuine hits should be celebrated, but fake numbers are damaging the industry’s reputation. We need transparency.”
Fans React on Social Media
Social media platforms have been abuzz with debates over the Sanam Teri Kasam box office numbers.
Some fans are so elated by the unexpected boom of the movie, while others think these numbers are fudged. Many users have been criticizing the team behind the film for inflating these numbers just to go trending online.
One user Tweeted: “I loved Sanam Teri Kasam, but it is not possible, these number seem fake. Re-release outselling Interstellar? Come on!”
Another user said, “Bollywood needs to stop manipulating box office figures. It’s getting embarrassing.” Will this change anything?
Despite the widespread criticism, there is no strict regulation against block bookings in Bollywood. Until industry leaders take a stand, such tactics may continue.
Filmmakers must understand that genuine audience appreciation is far more valuable than fake numbers. If Bollywood wants long-term success, honesty and transparency should be the priority.
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Conclusion
The re-release of Sanam Teri Kasam has hogged all the headlines, but the controversy surrounding its numbers has overshadowed its success. The fans still love the film, but such tactics raise serious questions about the credibility of Bollywood’s box office.
It is time for the industry to focus on quality cinema rather than artificial hype. Audiences deserve honesty, and filmmakers should respect that trust.
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