The film industry is on reviews now. This isn’t new story and has been there since ages. However, it suddenly gets into high dose now and then. If few people question whether reviews are really needed, others question whether there is any benefit for the film with reviews and who the target audience for the film is. To say precisely, there is a thin line of demarcation between the filmmakers and producers regarding this topic. Review is nothing but a personal view about how the film is. However, it is up to the viewer to decide whether to watch a film or to like it or not. But how fair is it to throw the blame on the reviewer?
The film producers are of the opinion that because of reviews and live updates, their film’s collections are struck. They are requesting newspapers, media channels and websites to understand the issue from their angle. The producers say that until three days of the film’s release, reviews shouldn’t be out. The producers panel is planning to pass such resolution now. Though it is understandable to halt the media channels and newspapers but how can they regulate websites?
The idea to stop reviews can be termed as violation of fundamental right to express. Even if websites also are curbed, how can they stop the status updates on Facebook and Twitter which decide the fate of a film? Say if a person watches a film and immediately updates his status on Facebook saying “ Just now watched “So-and-so” film and my ticket money has been wasted”- wouldn’t it impact the collections? Will the review have any value if it is updated after four days of the film’s release?
It is indeed reviews which hail if a film is brilliant. Then the very same producers praise the website saying they have given good ratings for their films. But when a bad film is bashed, why are they unable to digest it? If an abysmal film is criticized, the filmmakers are upset. If a film can be watched just like a film, why can’t same rule be applied to reviews as well? If reviews have minimal impact on people’s decision to watch a film or not- why all this mess?
If a film’s viewership is increased because of reviews, that means that the audience are going by reviews. If the audience themselves feel reviews are not authentic, why would reviews gain so much popularity? In short, Review is like a compass for the common man to prepare him/herself to watch a sort of film. In the current era, it costs Rs.1000/- for a middle class family to watch a film in theatre. Does that money have any value?
A review gives reassurance for the common man that a particular film can be watched in theatre by spending money. Reviewers have a great responsibility of retaining the film’s value by their sensible words and statements.
As a common film goer, do you think reviews should be delayed? Do reviews cause only loss but not profit for the filmmakers? Please share your feedback with us.
