Overview

• The court rejected the Tamil Film Active Producers Association’s request to block online reviews during the first three days after a film’s theatrical debut.
• Justice Venkatesh ruled that reviewing movies on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X falls under the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression.
• He warned that attempts to curb digital critiques are futile once social media enables reviewers from any corner of the world to share opinions.
• The judge highlighted the expanding reach of OTT platforms as a growing challenge for traditional cinemas and urged producers to adapt to the digital landscape.
• Venkatesh emphasized that public awareness through open discussion is a better safeguard for audiences than censorship when forming independent views.