Review bombing: Amicus curiae report in High Court; Malayalam films are successful despite negative reviews, says HC

KOCHI: Amicus curiae report in the High Court that cyber police should create a portal to complain against review bombing and that reviews should not be allowed within 48 hours of the release of films.

The portal will help to register FIR quickly and facilitate investigation. Cybercell must use advanced technology and IT tools to track down those behind the fake IDs doing review bombing. Adv Shyam Padman's report estimates that a large part of the audience can form an opinion without external influence within 48 hours of the film's release.

Strict rules can be used to stop those who are doing review bombing to destroy the movie. However, managing social media influencers' and vloggers' reviews can be challenging as they influence a large audience. The amicus curiae report was submitted in a petition to block negative reviews.

Other Recommendations

• Union Ministry of Communications should prepare guidelines to ensure ethics in social media.
• Reviews only through BIS-approved sites
• Vloggers should stop personal vendetta and bad language.
• Criticism should be positive.
• Spoilers that reveal the story of the movie should be avoided.
• The loss of revenue at the box office because of negative reviews should be considered.
• Copyright and privacy of filmmakers should be respected.

How many would believe it: High Court

High Court said that Malayalam films are successful despite negative reviews. Justice Devan Ramachandran verbally asked how many people would believe such reviews. Argument will be heard again on the 26th.

Mubeen Rouf, the director of the film 'Aromalinte Aadhyathe Pranayam', is the one who filed a petition alleging that the negative reviews are destroying movies.