Bollywood actor and director Divya Khossla has sparked a fresh debate on industry practices, claiming that 90 percent of Hindi films inflate their box office collections through corporate bookings, leaving actual earnings "nowhere close" to reported figures. During a Reddit AMA session on December 4, 2025, Khossla addressed fan questions about her career and Bollywood's inner workings, sharing a video response where she described the widespread use of bulk ticket purchases by production houses as a "sad" reality that undermines genuine audience reception.

Khossla, known for her roles in films like Savi and the recent thriller-comedy Ek Chatur Naar, emphasised the need for unity and transparency in the industry. "I am not here to be the boss," she responded to a fan referencing her past controversies, adding that corporate bookings distort success metrics and disadvantage smaller producers who rely on organic viewership. Her comments echo earlier accusations she made in October 2024 against Alia Bhatt's Jigra, where she alleged empty theatres despite inflated opening day numbers, reigniting discussions on manipulated figures as a promotional tool.

The actor's revelations come amid ongoing scrutiny of Bollywood's box office reporting, with insiders noting that post-COVID, only well-funded banners can afford such tactics to create hype and sustain theatrical runs. Khossla called for letting "the audience decide based on merit, not money," highlighting how fake numbers erode trust and stifle creative risks by emerging filmmakers.

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While Khossla's outspokenness has drawn both support from fans valuing her candour and criticism from those viewing it as sour grapes over past box office clashes, her AMA underscored broader challenges like the closure of smaller production houses. She reiterated her commitment to authentic storytelling, stating she would "never sell my soul to get work" in an industry she likened to one "filled with crocodiles." As Bollywood gears up for the 2026 slate, including Khossla's upcoming projects like Jatadhara and Hero Heeroine, her call for reform highlights the tension between commercial pressures and artistic integrity in Hindi cinema.

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