Legal action against critics withdrawn by TFPC after backlash

The first half of this year hasn’t been a smooth ride either for filmmakers or critics. On Monday, the Tamil Nadu Film Producers’ Council along with the Pro-Union decided that people who degrade a movie, actors, director or producer will be served a legal notice. In the circular that was released, the main issues covered by the producers were that anyone who criticises movies or actors to a “huge extent” will not be allowed to attend any “cinema-related” events in the future and will be issued legal notice. No gifts or remuneration will be distributed during a pooja, success meet, audio launch and trailer launch.

This did not go down well with the office-bearers of Tamil Movie Journalists’ Association, who met the office-bearers of TFPC, appointed by the ad-hoc committee expressed their disappointment. At the end of the meeting, TFPC admitted that the words used in the circular were strong and it was not the intention. A few resolutions like both big budget and small budget films must be treated equally and coverage and reviews given to big budget films, should also be given to small budget films in future. However, a source said, “There are a few people who attend press meets and interviews in disguise of medias. This in turn has increased the producer’s budget. The conditions aren’t applicable for reputed dailies and websites. A couple of online reviewers have been launching personal attacks on actors and directors in their reviews. The regulations apply to them.”