From Game Changer to Krrish 3: How Inflated Box Office Numbers Are Eroding Credibility

The Inflated Box Office Numbers: A Threat to Indian film industry’s Credibility?

In recent days, Indian film industry has been buzzing with allegations surrounding inflated box office numbers for Game Changer. The controversy erupted after trade analysts and industry insiders claimed that the film’s reported earnings were exaggerated. Adding fuel to the fire, noted filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma jumped into the debate, openly criticizing the alleged manipulation.

Inflating box office figures is not a new issue in Indian film industry. This practice, intended to attract audiences by showcasing an image of overwhelming success, has become alarmingly common. Trade experts estimate that inflating numbers by 10-15% during the initial days of a film’s release has almost become an industry norm. While some consider it harmless marketing, the practice raises serious ethical and professional questions when the numbers cross a reasonable threshold—as is being alleged with Game Changer.

The Game Changer Controversy

Producers of Game Changer claimed the film grossed a staggering ₹186 crore worldwide on its opening day. However, industry tracker Sacnilk reported that the actual collection was closer to ₹51 crore. Ram Gopal Varma didn’t mince his words, calling these figures “a fraud” and highlighting the potential damage this practice could do to Indian film industry’s credibility. According to Varma, inflating numbers to such an extent not only misleads the audience but also creates unrealistic benchmarks for other filmmakers.

A Longstanding Problem

The issue of inflated box office numbers has plagued Indian film industry for years. One prominent example was during the release of Krrish 3. Critics alleged that the film’s domestic earnings were overstated by almost ₹60 crore, sparking widespread debate. Similarly, rumors surrounded at the time of release of films like Kalki 2898AD and Jigra. During the release of  Pathaan allegations were made about corporate bookings  to inflate its numbers. Similer corporate booking allegations were also made about films like Bhool Bhulaiya 3 and Singham Returs.

This problem isn’t unique to Indian film industry. In 2023, South Korea’s film industry was rocked by a major scandal. Police investigations revealed that the makers and distributors of at least 323 films had artificially inflated box office numbers over a span of five years. Legal actions were taken against 69 individuals and 24 distribution companies involved in the scam. Such a large-scale operation not only tarnished the image of the South Korean film industry but also served as a warning for other markets.

What Trade Analysts Are Saying

Trade experts believe that inflating box office figures creates a false narrative of success, which can mislead both audiences and investors. While a slight exaggeration of numbers is often seen as a marketing tool, pushing these figures beyond reasonable limits—as alleged in Game Changer—risks eroding trust. “It’s one thing to add a little shine, but when the shine blinds, it’s a problem,” said a prominent trade analyst.

According to trade analyst Atul Mohan, the motive is primarily to shape perception. “Perception building is what is done through all of this. The numbers that are projected in the first three days are all marketing because curiosity is generated in people,” he explains, noting that the accurate first-day collection of any film is typically only made available by the following afternoon, he said to a newspaper.

If Indian film industry doesn’t address this issue, it risks facing scandals similar to the one in South Korea. Such incidents could lead to public backlash, legal consequences, and long-term reputational damage. The industry’s reliance on exaggerated numbers could become its Achilles’ heel, undermining the very credibility it seeks to build.