Mersal Collection Numbers Inflated?

Prominent film distributor Abirami Ramanathan said most of the collection numbers of Mersal have been inflated to create hype and draw audiences to cinemas.

Speaking at an interview, he claimed that there is no proof to authenticate the box-office collection of Mersal. He added that it’s a tactic that’s been used for a very long time in the film industry. “I have been in this industry since 1976. Back then, we’d appoint people to sell tickets in black for inflated price just to create hype for a movie. When public realize the film’s ticket is being sold for an exorbitant rate, they’d be curious to know what’s there in the film. This is the same tactic that’s being followed even today. When you make people believe a film has earned Rs 200 crore, they don’t want to miss out on a film that’s making so much money. Box-office numbers are being shared openly because nobody can question its authenticity because there’s no proof. As a distributor, I can say that a producer can’t know the earnings of his film till the end of its theatrical run,” Ramanathan said. His comments have ruffled some feathers in the trade and have earned the wrath of Vijay’s fans on social media.

His comments have ruffled some feathers in the trade and have earned the wrath of Vijay’s fans on social media. It is rumoured that the film, released all over for Diwali, has grossed over Rs 200 crore worldwide, making it the second Tamil film to achieve the rare feat after Rajinikanth’s Enthiran.