Holding that banning online review of movies for first three days of their theatrical release would be equivalent 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.
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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.
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