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Producer Anil Sunkara has voiced strong dissatisfaction over what he describes as the exploitation of film producers by ticketing and promotional platforms such as BookMyShow. He alleged that these apps are monetising film ratings and promotional tools, unfairly taking advantage of producers.

“BookMyShow or similar apps have started exploiting us and cashing in on our weaknesses,” Sunkara stated. He claimed that producers are asked to pay for higher ratings, likes, and comments to improve a film’s visibility on these platforms. According to him, the same mechanisms can also be misused to negatively impact a film.

Explaining the practice, Sunkara said, “They tell us a certain amount has to be paid to get a rating of nine. In a highly competitive industry like cinema, a producer naturally wants a ten, and they quote an even higher price for that.” He candidly admitted that producers themselves fell into the trap, driven by competition. “Cinema is a business. As a producer and businessman, I was tempted and ended up paying,” he said.

However, Sunkara noted that producers eventually realised they were being misled. He revealed that members of the producers’ guild held discussions with app representatives and requested the removal of paid rating systems, citing their negative impact on box-office collections. “We urged them to stop this practice, but they refused, saying it was part of their business and advertising model,” he said.

Clarifying his stance, Sunkara said producers have no issues with organic reviews, which reflect genuine audience opinions. “Our objection is only to these unorganised, paid ratings on apps,” he explained.

He further revealed that Megastar Chiranjeevi intervened in the matter and helped secure a court order to legally halt such practices. Sunkara added that his upcoming film Naari Naari Naduma Murari will also seek legal protection against fake ratings offered through paid packages. “Other producers will follow suit. This practice has crossed all limits,” he concluded.