The Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA), one of the governing bodies in Tamil cinema, wants a ban on YouTube channels that review movies.
In a statement on X, it urged theatre owners to deny access to YouTubers and is exploring legal options to regulate online reviews, particularly in the initial days of a film’s release.
The four-page letter condemned YouTube reviews that are malicious and contain personal attacks, and called on industry bodies to unite against such activities. It also named the movies that have been impacted by such reviews and claimed that their producers suffered financial losses.
TFAPA general secretary T. Siva told the Times of India: “A review should be a view rather than an individual attack. These days, people hold vengeance against a particular movie or star, get personal and say no one should watch the film. This cannot be considered a review. If you bash a brand’s product, they would not be quiet and would, in turn, take the legal route.”
The TFAPA statement comes days after the Suriya-starrer Kanguva was trolled heavily on social media platforms. In a post on X, the actor’s wife Jyotika condemned the “negativity” around the film even before the first show of the movie ended.
“In 2024, Indian 2, Vettaiyan and Kanguva have been affected by such public reviews/talk uploaded by YouTube channels,” said TFAPA. “Critics have every right to review movies. But we request all journalists to write film reviews keeping in mind that hatred towards a film should not be sown in the media because of personal malice.
“It is condemnable that many YouTube channels cross all limits in their criticism and project their view as the universal truth. We saw an old man not just sharing his opinion about Kanguva but also indulging in personal attacks. It was shocking.”
Telugu movie producers too are reportedly in favour of a ban on YouTube reviews.
Producer Dil Raju recently said the issue has often been discussed in the Telugu states, with exhibitors and producers claiming they affect the film’s earnings.
In Kerala, the High Court in November 2023 issued a directive to the authorities to stop online reviews of films by social media influencers, YouTube reviewers and bloggers for seven days following the release of a film.
The plea was primarily made by Mubeen Rauf, director of Aromalinte Adyathe Pranayam, and was supported by the producers’ association.
The Kerala High Court also identified “review bombing” as an issue.
The term refers to some YouTubers and social media influencers allegedly blackmailing filmmakers and demanding payments to write favourable reviews or to refrain from publishing negative ones.
