Latest news with #TamilFilmActiveProducersAssociation
Hans India
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Madras HC rejects plea to ban film reviews, upholds free speech
In a landmark judgment reinforcing the right to free expression, the Madras High Court has dismissed a plea by the Tamil Film Active Producers Association seeking a temporary three-day ban on film reviews post theatrical release. The association had argued that early reviews—especially negative ones—posted on social media and digital platforms were harming box office revenues and shaping public opinion prematurely. Presiding over the case, Justice N Anand Venkatesh strongly ruled against the petition, stating that such a request was not only impractical in today's digital world but also unconstitutional. He underscored that imposing a blanket restriction on reviews would infringe upon Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. 'Criticism is inherently subjective,' the judge remarked. 'Just because someone disapproves of a film does not mean everyone will agree. In the same way that judges are critiqued on social media, filmmakers must also be open to differing opinions.' Justice Venkatesh further noted the logistical and legal difficulties of implementing such a ban in the age of global digital communication. 'How can this court stop someone in Azerbaijan or any other part of the world from sharing their views?' he questioned, stressing the futility of attempting to regulate online speech across borders. The court also took a subtle jab at the expectation of universally positive reviews, calling it 'unrealistic' and 'detached from reality.' Instead, the verdict advised producers to invest in quality storytelling and filmmaking rather than attempting to suppress criticism. The judgment comes at a time when film industries across India—including in Telugu cinema—have been mulling similar legal approaches to delay or regulate early reviews. The court's ruling is now being seen as a benchmark that protects the independence of film critics and online reviewers. Speaking to Hans India, Senior film reviewer Ch Srinivas said, 'This is a significant win for creative dialogue. Reviews—good or bad—are part of the artistic ecosystem. You can't have a thriving industry without accountability or conversation.' The verdict serves as a reminder that public discourse, especially around art and culture, is a cornerstone of democracy. In a media-driven society where audience engagement begins the moment a trailer drops, curbing opinions post-release is neither ethical nor enforceable. As the court rightly pointed out, the film industry would do better to address systemic issues such as content quality, piracy, and distribution challenges—rather than chasing after critics. The focus, as many now agree, must return to where it belongs: creating compelling cinema.
Hans India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Court dismisses plea to ban film reviews, upholds freedom of expression
In a significant development, the Madras High Court has firmly rejected a plea by the Tamil Film Active Producers Association seeking a temporary ban on theatrical film reviews for the first three days after a movie's release. The association's request aimed to curb early reviews on digital and social media platforms, citing concerns about negative publicity affecting box office performance. Justice N Anand Venkatesh, who presided over the case, ruled that such a ban is not only impractical but also unconstitutional. He observed that restricting reviews—whether positive or negative—would directly infringe upon the fundamental right to freedom of speech guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. The court emphasized that platforms like YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook fall under the scope of free speech protections, and enforcing a ban on them would be legally unsound and technically unfeasible. The judge pointed out that controlling public opinion, especially in the age of global connectivity, is unrealistic. 'How can this court stop someone from posting a review from a different country like Azerbaijan?' he remarked. He also highlighted that expecting only positive reviews is unreasonable and reflects a disconnect from reality. 'Criticism is subjective. Just because someone dislikes a film doesn't mean others will agree,' the judge said, adding that even judges face scrutiny on social media. The verdict sends a clear message to film producers, including those in the Telugu film industry who were reportedly considering similar legal steps. Instead of attempting to silence critics, the court suggested that producers should focus on improving content and addressing more substantial industry concerns. In a democratic country like India, freedom of opinion remains paramount. Attempts to suppress public discourse not only violate constitutional principles but also divert attention from the real challenges facing the film industry today.
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Banning online film reviews equivalent to curtailing freedom of speech and expression: Madras High Court
Holding that banning online review of movies for first three days of their theatrical release would tantamount to interfering with the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression, the Madras High Court, on Thursday (June 26, 2025) dismissed a writ petition seeking such restriction filed by Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA). Justice N. Anand Venkatesh said, reviewing the quality of newly-released movies on mainstream media as well as social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X was also a part of the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression and therefore, producers could not expect only positive reviews. The judge said, the members of the producers association should accept the reality and not attempt to foreclose reviews. 'The relief sought for by them in the present writ petition is unsustainable and cannot be granted by this court,' he observed dictating orders. 'Negative reviews about judges too' He added the producers appeared to have conveniently forgotten about the new challenge posed to the existence of cinema theatres by the OTT (Over the Top) platform which was slowly turning out to be the preferred choice for many to watch newly-released movies at the comfort of their homes. During the course of hearing, the judge told the petitioner's counsel 'we are living in an era when people give negative reviews even about judges. Just go and see how they have criticised me on the social media. We cannot stop all those things. Today anything and anybody can be reviewed. It is all beyond control.' What if review comes from Azerbaijan? He added: 'I follow a different practice. Whenever there is a negative review about a movie, I watch that particular movie because I know that it is done by some force. With social media, you can stop nobody. If you stop someone here, another person will do it from Azerbaijan. What will you do then?' The judge also asked, 'even if I pass an order as sought by you, how can that order be implemented? I do not believe in passing orders which cannot be implemented. You are seeking an impossibility before this court. Today, the entire world is in the grip of social media. There is not a single person/organisation/country which escapes the review or comments made in social media.' 'Next to impossible to stop' Stating it was next to impossible to stop such comments, he said: 'In the social media era, awareness is the only solution through which the society can tread a balanced path. People must gauge movies after watching them and should not be swayed by what others say about those movies.' Also observing that the opinion regarding a movie would differ from person to person, Justice Venkatesh said, just because some persons give a negative review about a movie, that by itself, would not stop others from watching the movie and coming to their own conclusion. 'That is the reason why this court has said that awareness alone could be the panacea for the social media evil. History tells us that movies which faced such negative reviews in the beginning, actually revived themselves and proved to be successful. Therefore, people must not be undermined,' he added.
