Media365
L2: Empuraan is just a few hours away from its grand release. The movie has already shattered various box office records and has become the highest Mollywood opener through pre-sales alone. As the stage is set for the film’s theatrical debut, with makers eyeing big box office returns from one of the most anticipated Indian sequels, a worrying trend has come to light.
While L2: Empuraan is headed for a record-breaking opening, it has been observed that almost half of its collection in advance sales is through “blocked seats”. This indicates that the makers of the Mohanlal starter are indulging in corporate bookings to fuel the box office collections. Internet users have been trolling the L2: Empuraan team for indulging in unfair practices to boost collections, but as the corporate bookings neared its actual biz through advance sales, many were left disappointed.
According to Sacnilk, L2: Empuraan has collected ₹10.13 crore in all languages in India through advance bookings. However, with blocked seats, the number touches₹19 crore. Almost half of its pre-sales collection is through corporate bookings, the numbers have hinted.
The practice of corporate and self-bookings has often been called out in the case of Bollywood films like Pathaan, Chhaava, Dunki, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, Jigra, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and more. They accounted for around 5-10 percent of the total pre-sales. However, in the case of L2: Empuraan, the number is over 40%, hinting at a worrying state of affairs.
The real test of the film will be when it hits the big screens. The box office numbers, even if inflated, will become more evident in the coming time. If L2: Empuraan witnesses a sharp drop in its biz after the first weekend, it would further fuel speculation about manipulated bookings. Many have already attacked Mohanlal and Prthhviraj Sukumaran for indulging in corporate bookings.
