In a surprising move, some Kollywood producers have decided to restrict YouTube reviewers and media from entering theaters, sparking a significant debate in the film industry.
Telugu cinema might soon follow this trend, as hinted by prominent producer Dil Raju. However, this approach reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of audience behavior and the role of reviews.
Good reviews can boost a film’s success if the content is strong, but bad reviews are rarely the sole reason for a movie’s failure. Recent examples like ‘Indian 2’ and ‘Kanguva’ suffered primarily due to weak content and poor word-of-mouth (WOM) feedback from audiences, not because of targeted negative campaigns as some producers claim.
When a film fails to resonate with viewers, it is often because of storytelling or execution issues, not external factors like online reviews. Ironically, many films have thrived at the box office despite mixed or poor reviews.
Audiences ultimately seek engaging and entertaining content, and no amount of negative propaganda can stop a good film from succeeding. If ‘Indian 2’ or ‘Kanguva’ had met audience expectations, they would have been widely celebrated, regardless of any criticism.
Producers should shift their focus from blaming audiences and reviewers to improving the quality of their films. Constructive feedback, whether from social media or traditional media, can serve as a valuable tool for growth. Instead of seeing reviews as obstacles, filmmakers should embrace them as opportunities to gauge public opinion and refine their craft. Ultimately, the content is what determines a movie’s fate.