Let’s talk sense, no one is going to lie: Akshay Kumar refutes exaggerated box-office figures for Housefull 4

Akshay Kumar has refuted rumours of Housefull 4 box-office figures being exaggerated. Earlier this week, a faction of Bollywood trade analysts had refused to share the box-office details of Housefull 4. It was alleged that the producers of the film were putting out inflated numbers in the media and not sharing trade data accurately. 

Interacting with the press on Friday, Akshay said he believes the film has done a business of Rs 137 crore (so far). The actor insisted the released numbers were accurate and urged the media to call theatre owners to verify. 

“There is a studio called Fox Star Studios. It has big credibility. It is a corporate company. It runs from Los Angeles. It is not possible. We should use our brains. They make films of millions and millions of dollars and for them, an increase of three or five means nothing. So, let's talk sense,” Akshay was quoted as saying.

 “(The studio) is writing it on their own handle and it goes everywhere, they have to report to everyone. Nobody is going to lie on this,” he added. 

The debate around exaggerated box-office figures picked pace when producer Ronnie Screwvala tweeted about the issue on Wednesday. 

“Isn’t it time everyone reports Box Office numbers accurately,” Ronnie wrote, tagging trade pundits Komal Nahta and Taran Adarsh. “...Accuracy of information builds credibility which the movie industry needs so badly ... and not sure how long-to appease egos will Studios and all keep encouraging pumped up data on numbers.” 

The producer, however, clarified that his tweet was not directed at any particular film but was an ‘overall comment for the future.’ 

Housefull 4, directed by Farhad Samji and co-produced by Fox Star Studios and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, also stars Bobby Deol, Riteish Deshmukh, Kriti Sanon, Pooja Hegde, Kriti Kharbanda, Rana Daggubati and others. The film was released in theatres on October 25 on the occasion of Diwali.