Kerala High Court: Movie Reviews Should Inform, Not Destroy or Extort

The Kerala High Court addresses the recent trend of review bombing in the film industry and emphasizes that movie reviews are intended to inform and enlighten people, not destroy or extort. It directs the state police chief to take appropriate action against anonymous posts containing vituperative content.

In a significant development, the Kerala High Court has taken a stern stance against the recent trend of review bombing in the film industry. The court stated that movie reviews are meant to provide information and enlighten audiences, rather than destroy reputations and extort individuals. This statement came during the hearing of pleas lodged by the Kerala Film Producers Association and other stakeholders in response to this growing issue.

Justice Devan Ramachandran emphasized that an individual's reputation associated with a film should not be compromised due to unregulated freedom of expression. He highlighted that those who think they are exempt from any regulations or parameters, especially when there is no evidence suggesting their registration equivalent to journalists or similar service providers, are mistaken.

Court's Directive on Anonymous Posts

The high court instructed the state police chief to follow its previous order regarding taking suitable action against anonymous posts containing vitriolic content. In this context, it reiterated that reviews should inform and enlighten without causing harm or extortion. The police authorities were directed to bear this principle in mind diligently while dealing with such instances.

Further Hearings and Initial Actions

The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on November 21st. During an earlier hearing, the court had suggested close monitoring of online platforms to prevent circulation of anonymous and malicious reviews. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the state government informed the high court about actions initiated by the police based on several complaints received concerning this issue.

Ongoing Surveillance & Investigations

The state government also assured that all anonymous posts were under surveillance; any complaint received was being thoroughly investigated. On behalf of central government counsel, it was conveyed to the court that a competent authority was examining these issues closely; they sought two weeks' time to file their response, which the court granted.

In conclusion, this development underscores the importance of responsible and ethical conduct in public discourse. The Kerala High Court's stance against review bombing sends a strong message that freedom of expression should not be misused for malicious intent or personal gain. It is hoped that this will pave the way for more constructive criticism and balanced reviews in the film industry, fostering a healthier environment for creativity and artistic expression.