Kerala files first ever case against online film reviewers and social media platforms

According to the most recent update, Kochi has recorded the state’s first case of review bombing. The case was filed in response to a complaint filed by director Ubaini Ebrahim regarding the flood of negative reviews that surfaced on social media following the release of his latest film, Rahel Makan Kora, on October 13th.

Mubeen Rauf, a director, filed a petition in the High Court earlier this month, highlighting the negative effects of vloggers’ “foul play” on the film industry. He also sought action to prevent deliberate film downgrading. A portion of his petition also requested that no public reviews of his upcoming film Aromalinte Adya Pranayam be made during the first seven days of its release.

The HC also directed the State Government to devise methods to reduce review bombing, emphasising that filmmaking is a collaborative effort involving thousands of people other than producers, actors, and directors.

Director Ubaini Ebrahim filed a complaint against multiple YouTube Channels and Facebook accounts, with the global giants’ YouTube and Facebook named as the eighth and ninth defendants, respectively. According to the FIR, the video sharing and social media platforms are accused of enabling the other accused to commit the illegal offence, according to Mathrubhumi.

It has been reported that some reviewers made a sizable profit by publishing negative reviews within an hour of Ebrahim’s film’s release. Without a doubt, film reviews are essential. They do, however, have the potential to have a negative impact on the film.