The glitz and glamour of the entertainment world often hide a darker side. Right now, a shadow of alleged deception and threats hangs over filmmakers. It seems some social media influencers are playing a dangerous game. They are reportedly shaking down producers for cash, all in the name of movie reviews.
Powerful organizations within the film industry are not taking this lightly. The Indian Film and Television Producers Council, known as IFTPC, is getting ready to take serious legal action. This group represents many creators in the industry. They aim to put a stop to these alleged shakedowns by influencers.
It is a troubling trend. Filmmakers are worried about reviewers who accept money for their opinions. Members of the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) have voiced their deep concerns. They see this practice as a serious threat to fair criticism.
Accusations claim these influencers review films only after getting paid. If a producer does not pay up, they allegedly threaten to publish negative reviews. Sometimes, they go ahead and post bad reviews to pressure filmmakers into giving them money. This is a form of extortion, according to the industry bodies. The IFTPC specifically targets influencers who use these paid reviews for blackmail. They are set to crack down legally.