Here’s a business hack with which people in the movie industry project numbers to pull audiences to theatres. Nandamuri Balakrishna’s much-hyped film ‘Veera Simha Reddy’ and Megastar Chiranjeevi’s ‘Waltair Veerayya’, which are releasing in theatres this Sankranthi, have undoubtedly made enough sound all over social media and other platforms. Producers cash on the opening bookings and undoubtedly there is a deliberate attempt to create an impression for the average movie lovers that these films are creating new records in India and the first big market – the United States.
As per the latest figures, ‘Veera Simha Reddy’ bagged 357,078 US dollars from 490 shows at 217 locations. Megastar’s ‘Waltair Veerayya’ collected 302,581 US dollars from as many as 428 shows in 196 locations. Balayya’s film sold 18,330 tickets while Megastar’s flick sold 15,359 tickets. So makers may say both the films did a business of 5 lakh US dollars only with premier shows. It may be recalled that Megastar’s ‘Godfather’ did a business of 3 lakh+ US dollars for premier shows and ‘Akhanda’ did the business of 3.3 lakh US dollars in America.
There’s a caste factor that drives the numbers when it comes to screening premier shows of two big stars. It is learnt that an artificial hype is being created by Nandamuri fans and Megastar fans who hail from two different communities. It is understood that tickets are being booked in bulk only to project numbers. The popular notion goes that such an act is considered a donation for their favourite actor’s pride and self-respect. This might also lead to a situation where audiences were greeted with empty seats on the first day because bulk tickets are purchased not to watch the film. Last minute cancellation gets all the amount back.
So the actual number is known precisely after the completion of premier shows. So the numbers that are being projected are unlikely to be true.
