Date: December 03, 2024
High Court Rejects Plea to Ban Movie Reviews
Madras High Court’s Stance on Movie Reviews Ban
The Madras High Court, on Tuesday, dismissed a writ petition filed by the Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA) seeking a temporary ban on movie reviews on social media platforms for three days post-release. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X were the focus of the proposed restriction.
TFAPA’s primary concern was to curb the immediate and often harsh reviews that surface online, which they claimed negatively impacted the box office performance of films. However, the High Court bench led by Justice S. Sounthar firmly rejected the plea, upholding the freedom of speech and expression.
Producers Demand Guidelines for Film Critics
In addition to the proposed ban, the TFAPA also urged the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Tamil Nadu government’s IT and Digital Services Department to establish clear guidelines for online film critics. The association argued that these critics often target films with biased reviews, leading to unwarranted negativity and trolling.
This move comes in the wake of allegations from G. Dhananjeyan, producer of the Tamil film Kanguva, who accused fans of rival actors of deliberately spreading negative propaganda. Similarly, actress Jyothika, wife of superstar Suriya, also expressed concerns about unfair criticism targeted at Kanguva.
Backlash Against Suppressing Movie Reviews
TFAPA’s attempt to restrict reviews has been met with significant backlash from netizens and film enthusiasts. Many critics and viewers view this move as an infringement on the right to freedom of speech.
Social media users have called out the producers, advising them to focus on creating better films that can withstand scrutiny and criticism. They argue that negative reviews and trolling are inevitable in the digital era, especially for high-budget films featuring big stars.
The Role of Social Media in Film Criticism
Social media has revolutionized how movies are reviewed, providing audiences with instant feedback and access to diverse opinions. While this democratization of criticism has empowered viewers, it has also led to challenges for filmmakers, who must navigate the fine line between valid critiques and malicious trolling.
Final Thoughts
The Madras High Court’s decision underscores the importance of freedom of speech in creative industries. Instead of seeking bans, producers must focus on delivering high-quality films that can resonate with audiences, irrespective of online reviews. After all, strong storytelling and good filmmaking remain the ultimate tools to silence critics and win over audiences.