Tamil Nadu Film Producers Seek Ban On Online Film Reviews For First Three Days After Release?

As per a report in Live Law, in the petition filed by general secretary T Sivalingam, the association also requested an interim order to strictly limit social media platforms from recording public reviews of new films within theatre premises. However, Justice S Sounther declined to grant such interim relief.

The petitioner acknowledged the evolution of film criticism alongside social media and cinema, and argued that while the process has been democratized, it has also brought “unimaginable challenges.” The petitioner also alleged that people spread negative reviews of specific films due to personal grudges or business rivalries which create biased perceptions about movies before general audiences get to watch them, which lead to revenue losses. The petitioner described it as “negative review bombing,” which he claimed undermine the credibility of movie review process.

The association also claimed that fake social media profiles are often created for the purpose to post negative reviews in exchange for monetary compensation. TFAPA also said that a rise in YouTube channels increases negative review and, using offensive language to apparently attract subscribers and views, which has become a significant threat to the film industry, as per the association. 

It further claimed that negative campaigns discourage OTT platforms and satellite channels from acquiring these films. 

While issuing notices to the authorities concerned, Justice S Sounther remarked that reviews, even if critical of films, are “part of the freedom of speech and expression” and cannot be curtailed, reported Bar & Bench.

The notices are returnable in four weeks.