Nadiadwala takes action against influencers over alleged malicious film reviews

New Delhi: Film production house Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment (NGE) has lodged a legal complaint against social media influencers accused of demanding payment for positive reviews and threatening negative publicity if their demands were not met.

According to reports, the company’s legal counsel, Ravi Suryawanshi of Bar and Brief Attorneys, confirmed that NGE has submitted call recordings and documents to investigative agencies, describing them as evidence of extortion attempts targeting films, directors and actors.

“We recently came across evidence, including call recordings, indicating that a few individuals were demanding money and threatening to malign the reputation of our films, directors, and lead actors if their demands were not met. We believe such behaviour warrants investigation by the appropriate authorities. Accordingly, we have referred the matter to the relevant investigative agencies for lawful action,” the company said in a statement, as per the report.

Earlier this month, the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) raised similar concerns, alleging that certain influencers had been coercing producers with threats of malicious reviews and coordinated smear campaigns. The council noted it is consulting legal experts to explore remedies under civil and criminal law.

According to reports, the IFTPC has observed a growing trend over recent years in which some social media influencers have allegedly threatened to publish malicious or disparaging reviews and reaction videos of films, series, and other audiovisual content while demanding payments from producers. 

The council is reportedly consulting top legal experts to explore civil and criminal remedies to address these alleged extortionate practices.

Other industry bodies, including the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), have also expressed concern about paid or coerced review practices, according to reports.

Both NGE and IFTPC stressed that their actions are not intended to curb free expression or genuine film criticism. They underlined that the move is specifically directed at tackling extortion and blackmail by certain influencers.

The statements further noted that while constructive criticism is considered essential for the health of the film industry, predatory practices threaten its creative and commercial integrity.