What's the Deal With Block Bookings?

After the makers of several tentpole films were accused of 'block booking', we ask industry insiders about the practice and why it is so rampant

- Rishabh Suri

The terms 'block bookings' and 'corporate bookings' have created a lot of buzz recently. It began when trade analyst Komal Nahta accused the makers of actors Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya's recent film Sky Force of resorting to booking out theatres in order to paint a rosy picture in the film's box-office report.

Things took a turn after the same accusation was leveled against Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna's upcoming Chhaava, which is bankrolled by the same producers - Maddock Films. In light of these allegations, insiders worry that the industry's credibility is at stake, considering anyone can manufacture numbers to favor their films.

An old practice