Actor‑producer Vishal, who also serves as General Secretary of the Nadigar Sangam, has appealed to the media, theatre owners and exhibitors to curb the growing practice of recording “public reviews” inside cinema halls during the crucial opening weekend of new releases.

Speaking at the trailer launch of the upcoming Tamil film Red Flower, Vishal addressed representatives of the press alongside Tamil Film Producers Council Vice‑President Kathiresan. “On behalf of Nadigar Sangam, I respectfully request that, for a film’s first three days—or 12 shows—no audience‑reaction videos be shot on theatre premises,” he said. “Please don’t misunderstand my intent; reviews are welcome, but let the film breathe for those initial screenings.”

The actor emphasised that his plea targets on‑site recordings only. “YouTubers and channels may still gather opinions once viewers have exited the complex,” he suggested. Vishal added that content creators could themselves watch the film inside the hall, publish their own critiques first, and then canvas patrons outside. That, he argued, would strike a balance between timely commentary and allowing filmmakers a brief, uninterrupted window to gauge organic word‑of‑mouth.

Public‑review videos—often filmed minutes after the end credits roll—have become ubiquitous across South Indian cinema, fuelling heated debate among industry stakeholders. Detractors contend that hurried, impressionistic verdicts can torpedo box‑office prospects before a film reaches wider audiences; their supporters cite viewers’ right to instant, unfiltered opinion. Vishal’s remarks arrive amid mounting calls within Kollywood for some form of self‑regulation.

Legal efforts to impose a formal blackout have proved unsuccessful so far. In June, the Madras High Court dismissed a writ petition by the Tamil Film Active Producers Association that sought a three‑day ban on all online reviews following theatrical release. The bench ruled that such a restriction would infringe on the fundamental right to free speech and expression, effectively signalling that any solution must come through voluntary cooperation rather than judicial fiat.

Beyond the review controversy, Vishal offered a personal update: his wedding to actor Sai Dhanshika, previously slated for his 29 August birthday, has been postponed. The ceremony, he revealed, will occur on the first auspicious “muhurtham” after the long‑awaited opening of the new Nadigar Sangam headquarters, expected to be completed within the next two months.

Concluding his address, Vishal reiterated that his proposal is intended to support—not stifle—criticism. “Films need reviews; they sharpen our craft,” he said. “All I’m asking for is a short breathing space so that the audience’s first reactions can emerge naturally, without the glare of a camera in their faces.” (With inputs from Agencies)

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