In a bold and thought-provoking statement, Tamil actor and Nadigar Sangam General Secretary Vishal has urged theatre owners and media outlets to refrain from recording and broadcasting audience reviews inside cinema halls for the first three days of a film’s release. His comments came during the trailer launch event of the upcoming Tamil film Red Flower, and have since sparked significant debate within the South Indian film industry.
Speaking candidly at the event, Vishal emphasized that the survival of a film heavily depends on its initial reception. “The first 12 shows are crucial for any film,” he stated, “and instant public reviews—especially those recorded inside theatres—can severely impact a film’s chances before it has time to find its footing with audiences.”
He appealed directly to theatre exhibitors and the media, suggesting a collective responsibility to give films some breathing space. Vishal noted that creators and critics should ideally watch the film in its entirety before rushing to collect public opinions or post early verdicts on platforms like YouTube and social media.
“I’m not saying reviews aren’t important,” he clarified. “They absolutely are. But let the film survive those initial few days. Let the audience come and experience it organically, without being influenced by a few viral reactions or extreme opinions captured in a hurry.”
Vishal's appeal was made on behalf of the Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artistes’ Association), and in the presence of Tamil Film Producers Council Vice President Kathiresan. They jointly appealed to the Media and Exhibitors Association to consider implementing this short-term embargo on in-theatre public review recordings.
The issue of early reviews and their impact on box office returns has been a hot topic in recent times. Just recently, the Tamil Film Active Producers Association had filed a petition with the Madras High Court seeking a legal ban on online reviews for the first three days of a film’s release. However, the court dismissed the plea, emphasizing the freedom of expression granted to individuals and content creators.
Vishal's statements come at a critical time and have reignited industry-wide discussions about balancing creative freedom with fair business practices. Many in the industry argue that while constructive criticism is welcome, the trend of instant, sensationalized reviews—often posted without full context—can do irreparable damage to new releases.
His remarks have since gone viral, with actors, producers, and fans weighing in on both sides of the debate. While some support the idea of a limited review embargo to give films a fair chance, others argue that public opinion, even when immediate, is a legitimate part of the cinematic experience.
Vishal's proposal reflects growing concern among filmmakers about the influence of digital media on cinema's commercial viability. Whether or not his suggestion gains institutional support, it has undoubtedly added urgency to an ongoing conversation about how best to protect films while respecting the voices of audiences and creators alike.
© All Rights Reserved