In a significant move, the Madras High Court has asked for responses from both the Centre and the Tamil Nadu state government regarding a petition to delay online reviews of films. The petition, submitted by the Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA), proposes a ban on such reviews for three days following a film’s release in theaters. The court’s notice also included YouTube, a primary platform for online film critics.
Justice S Sounthar, presiding over the case, acknowledged the petition but emphasized that film reviews are a form of free expression protected under the constitution. He stated that while the court is considering the petition, the freedom of speech and expression, including the right to critique, must not be unduly restricted.
The TFAPA has urged the court to compel the central and state governments to establish clear guidelines for online film critics. These guidelines would apply to reviews posted on platforms like YouTube and various social media outlets. The association argues that while film criticism is a legitimate and necessary activity, it should not become a conduit for personal vendettas or malicious attacks that could harm a film’s reception and financial success.
According to the TFAPA, there have been instances where individuals motivated by personal or business conflicts have used their platforms to spread negative sentiment about films, influencing public opinion unfairly and compromising the integrity of the review process. This, they claim, leads to significant financial losses for the producers.
