In an age when a film’s reception is measured not only by its theatrical footfall but also by ratings, social media reactions and online reviews, the line between audience opinion and a potentially damaging campaign has become increasingly contentious. While filmmakers have long had to contend with criticism, the speed at which online responses can spread has added another dimension to the debate, particularly during a film’s opening days.
Amid this backdrop, reports have emerged that the makers of Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 have taken measures against allegedly malicious online reviews. Reportedly, Sun Pictures has disabled the film’s review and rating option on BookMyShow, ostensibly to prevent ratings from being manipulated or lowered through coordinated negative feedback. Reports also says the makers have warned of legal action against content they consider malicious. However, the specific claims regarding the review measures have not been independently confirmed through a publicly available court order or an official statement from the production house.
The development follows similar legal disputes surrounding Yash’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups and Nani’s The Paradise. In August, the makers of Toxic secured interim relief from a Bengaluru court against the circulation of material they alleged was false, malicious or defamatory. Subsequently, the producers of The Paradise obtained a similar interim injunction concerning specifically identified online posts and URLs ahead of the film’s release.
The orders in those cases, however, concerned allegedly defamatory content identified in the respective proceedings; they should not be interpreted as blanket prohibitions on negative reviews or bona fide criticism. The distinction is significant, as a reviewer expressing an opinion about a film is not the same as a person publishing demonstrably false allegations or participating in a coordinated campaign intended to damage its commercial prospects.
For Jailer 2, the reported move comes as the Rajinikanth-starrer begins its theatrical run on October 15. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Sun Pictures, the sequel also features Ramya Krishnan, SJ Suryah, Vidya Balan, Mohanlal and Shivarajkumar, among others. The film has already received separate legal protection against online piracy: the Madras High Court granted interim relief to Sun TV Network, restraining unauthorised online exhibition of the film ahead of its release.