Akshay refutes charges that 'Housefull 4' box-office numbers were fudged

IANS

News

While a section of the media and trade analysts have claimed that box-office fihures of Akshay Kumar's new release, "Houseful 4", have been exaggerated, the star says that there is no way that the film's credible co-producers -- Fox Star Studio -- would d

While a section of the media and trade analysts have claimed that box-office fihures of Akshay Kumar's new release, "Houseful 4", have been exaggerated, the star says that there is no way that the film's credible co-producers -- Fox Star Studio -- would disseminate wrong information officially.

"There is a studio called Fox Star Studios (involved with the film). 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 (in collections) by three or five means nothing. So, let's talk sense. They (Fox Star Studios) are writing it on their own (Twitter) handle and it goes everywhere, they have to report to everyone. Nobody is going to lie (on) this," Akshay said.

"Houseful 4" also features Riteish Deshmukh, Bobby Deol, Kriti Sanon, Pooja Hegde and Kriti Kharbanda. The film has been the biggest Diwali weekend release this year. It opened during the festive weekend with two other releases -- "Made In China" and "Saand Ki Aankh".

The multistarrer comedy has done big business so far, earning Rs 149.36 in the domestic market since its release on October 25, reports koimoi.com

Akshay is unfazed that the nonsensical slapstick film has faced the flak of critics.

"I respect critics. It is important for people to be critics because it is like a barometer. Comedy is a tricky thing. The comedy I like, may not be liked by my wife. So, things will vary, even among the critics," Akshay said during a media interaction.

"I think only people who have written negative (reviews) will be able to explain why they have done so. Critics can say what they want but what the audience likes is reflected by box-office numbers. I think that is most important," said Akshay.

He added: "I am from that era where I have heard a lot of people say a lot of things, but I never said anything. In school, I was taught, ‘mind your own businesses'."

With films like "Hera Pheri", "Bhool Bhulaiyaa", "Welcome", "Siingh Is King" and the "Houseful" franchise, Akshay has created his space in the Bollywood comedy genre.

Asked why comedy films are not celebrated as much as serious drama despite getting commercial success, Akshay replied: "It is very difficult to do such physical comedy where one has to keep logic away -- physical comedy is especially tough. In his era, Charlie Chaplin used to do it, without dialogues. He used to make us laugh. I tell you, it is the most difficult acting to do. I do not know why this genre is not given due credit. I am trying to find an answer for 30 years. I have even spoken to people who give awards over why comedies are not celebrated. I think they all think it is very easy to do comedy, but as we keep saying, writing and performing any genre of comedy is very difficult."

Tags: Cinema, Showbiz, Bollywood

Lastest Stories

Also Read

New OTT Releases India This Week: Binge Guide (June 1-7, 2026)

Explore the biggest Indian OTT releases streaming this week (June 1-7, 2026) across Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and JioHotstar, featuring Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Maa Behen.

New Movie Releases in India This Week & Top Box Office Holdovers (June 1-7, 2026)

Discover the new Indian movies releasing in theatres this week across Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Tulu. Check out showtimes, reviews, and top box office holdovers like Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Border 2.

Madhubala - Biography and Filmography

Discover the tragic life, iconic movies, and enduring legacy of Bollywood legend Madhubala. Explore her career from child artist in Basant to Mughal-e-Azam superstardom, her health struggles, and personal relationships.

Latest OTT Releases in India (May 2026)

Explore the hottest OTT releases streaming now and dropping this weekend in India, featuring legal thrillers, sci-fi mysteries, and blockbuster announcements.

Kartavya Movie Review: A Dark, Intense Cop Thriller Driven by Saif Ali Khan

Read our review of Kartavya (2026) on Netflix. Find out if Saif Ali Khan's gritty Red Chillies Entertainment police drama lives up to its hype.

Movies Releasing On Friday, May 22, 2026

Discover the new Indian movies releasing On Friday, May 22, 2026 across Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bhojpuri, and Tulu, plus top films still successfully running in theatres.