There was a time when films would celebrate after making Rs 100 crore, but today films are expected to earn more than Rs 500-600 crore. However, these big figures have also highlighted how producers, distributors and even stars are now indulging in corporate and bulk ticket booking to boost box office numbers. In an exclusive conversation with IndiaToday.in, ‘Chandu Champion’ director Kabir Khan opens up about this new phenomenon.

Filmmaker Kabir Khan said, “These are all trends that come and go. Today producers, studios or distributors feel it might help business. Honestly, I have no moral stand on it because they are not robbing anybody.”

When asked if these rigged numbers could create distrust, the ‘Chak De! India’ director said, “The whole industry has become numbers-oriented, which is quite unhealthy. When I was growing up, we never got to know the opening numbers. I still don’t know how much ‘Sholay’ or ‘Deewar’ earned. It has become like a game now, and if it is a game, people will come to play it.”

Kabir Khan further added, “Today, everyone is quoting numbers, and believe me, 90 per cent of them don’t know what it really means.” He further added, “There are a lot of numbers being thrown around – India net, gross, worldwide net and gross. In this fascination for numbers, some players are trying to say let’s get big numbers through corporate and bulk. I have no moral stand because money is coming into the ecosystem. It’s not a big deal and is only a matter of concern for those who are tracking the numbers to understand what the film is bringing back. Other than that, it’s a phase and not very relevant.”

Kartik Aaryan plays the lead role in Para-Olympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar’s biopic ‘Chandu Champion’. The film has earned around Rs 60 crore at the box office.