The Madras High Court has dismissed a petition filed by the Tamil Film Producers Council seeking a temporary ban on film reviews for the first three days after a movie’s release. Justice Anand Venkatesh, who heard the matter on Thursday, ruled that such a restriction would amount to curtailing freedom of expression, particularly in the era of digital media where public opinion is instantly shared.
The producers’ council argued that early reviews—often negative—impact the commercial prospects of films. The plea was reportedly prompted by the social media backlash faced by actor Suriya’s upcoming film *Kanguva*. However, the court maintained that stopping online reviews in today’s interconnected world is impractical and emphasized that no one can expect only favorable commentary in the public domain.
Tollywood Reacts to Growing Review Debate
The ruling has found echoes in the Telugu film industry, where a similar debate has been ongoing. Several Tollywood producers have voiced concerns about instant social media reviews, especially those posted without fully watching the film. Industry insiders have argued that early negative feedback can adversely affect audience turnout. Some have proposed introducing a review embargo period to help films gain traction before being critically assessed online.
