In a significant development that underscores the growing sensitivity within the Indian film industry towards online criticism, veteran actor Sarath Kumar has reportedly filed an appeal against the spread of negative reviews concerning Vishnu Manchu’s highly anticipated mythological epic, ‘Kannappa’. While specific legal documents or official court filings have not been widely publicized, Sarath Kumar’s recent public statements during promotional events for ‘,’ strongly indicate his intent to curb what he perceives as a potentially damaging trend of pre-release and immediate post-release negative commentary.
‘Kannappa’, a big-budget pan-India venture starring Vishnu Manchu in the titular role and featuring an ensemble cast including Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Mohanlal in special appearances, is poised for a grand theatrical release. The film, which draws from the revered legend of Bhakta Kannappa, an atheist hunter who becomes a devout follower of Lord Shiva, has been generating considerable buzz, both positive and, in some corners, critical.
Sarath Kumar, who plays the pivotal role of Nathanadhudu in the film, has openly appealed to the audience and social media users to exercise caution and responsibility when sharing their opinions about the movie. During a recent press interaction, he reportedly urged viewers not to take to their phones during screenings to message friends and dissuade them from watching ‘Kannappa’. His argument centers on the idea that individual perceptions of a film can vary greatly, and one person’s negative view should not prematurely influence another’s potential experience, especially when some might be coming to watch for specific actors like Prabhas or Akshay Kumar.
This move by Sarath Kumar highlights a larger discourse prevalent in the Indian film industry concerning the impact of online reviews and “review bombing.” In recent times, many filmmakers have expressed frustration over what they consider to be premature, often biased, or even maliciously motivated negative reviews that can significantly affect a film’s box office performance. There have been instances where producers and artists have openly spoken about facing “ransom” situations from certain online reviewers or groups with “vested interests” who allegedly threaten negative publicity unless compensated.
While the Indian legal system upholds freedom of speech and expression, there’s a fine line between genuine critical analysis and defamatory or intentionally damaging content. Courts, particularly in the South Indian film industries, have previously addressed petitions seeking to curb malicious online reviews, with some directives aimed at preventing anonymous or malafide content circulation and even suggesting measures against “review bombing.” However, the broader consensus remains that any attempt to stifle legitimate criticism could infringe upon fundamental rights.
The appeal by Sarath Kumar for ‘Kannappa’ comes amidst this evolving landscape. It reflects a growing concern within the film fraternity about the unchecked power of online platforms and the potential for a few negative voices to disproportionately influence public perception, sometimes even before a film has had a fair chance to be evaluated by a wider audience. As ‘Kannappa’ gears up for its release, the industry will be closely watching how this appeal resonates and whether it sparks a more constructive dialogue around film criticism in the digital age.