India's Bollywood battles paid reviews and fake sale claims

MUMBAI, India, Nov 20: India's $60-billion Bollywood industry is facing a deepening credibility crisis, as insiders warn that manipulated film reviews and inflated box office numbers are distorting public perception, ultimately hurting ticket sales.

Streaming platforms have disrupted traditional cinema but industry veterans say Bollywood's woes are also self-inflicted -- including the trend to declare a film a "hit" even before its release.