Filmmaker Prem Kumar, best known for his work on Meiyazhagan, has raised serious concerns about the growing trend of paid film reviews, calling them a threat to the integrity of cinema.
In a recent statement, Kumar alleged that certain film reviewers are accepting payment in exchange for positive reviews, thereby manipulating public perception and skewing the honest evaluation of films.
“Cinema is a reflection of culture and storytelling. When reviews are bought, the entire foundation of film criticism collapses,” said Prem Kumar.
He emphasized how emerging filmmakers, who rely heavily on organic word-of-mouth and genuine critical feedback, are the most affected by this trend. The over-commercialization of online reviews, he warned, distorts audience expectations and harms films that take creative or non-mainstream risks.
Prem Kumar urged audiences to support authentic storytelling and encouraged media platforms to maintain transparency in their reviewing practices. He also called on the film community to confront this issue to preserve the credibility of Indian cinema.
As digital reviews continue to influence box office performance and streaming success, Kumar’s remarks have ignited a wider conversation about ethics in film journalism.
