AP CMO releases Amaravati Seed Capital Images

The ongoing debate in Tollywood over movie reviews and YouTube public talk videos has taken a new turn, with director Ram Gopal Varma’s comments becoming a hot topic. While several producers have expressed concern that early reviews and audience reactions at theatres on release day are affecting box office openings, RGV has strongly opposed any move to restrict reviews.

According to him, every viewer has the right to express their opinion after watching a film. In today’s social media-driven world, it is impossible to control or silence public feedback. He added that any attempt to stop reviews would ultimately fail.

RGV compared movie reviews to rain, saying that just like one cannot stop rain from falling, reviews too cannot be controlled. “When it rains, you either stay inside, go out with an umbrella, or get wet. But getting angry at the rain is pointless,” he explained, emphasizing that audiences will always have the freedom to respond.

He also pointed out that reviews exist for everything in society—be it phones, restaurants, sports, or politics—and questioning their presence only in cinema is unfair. According to him, calls to restrict reviews during the first few days of a film’s release are driven largely by commercial interests, aimed at maximizing opening weekend collections.

RGV also defended YouTube reviewers and film critics, rejecting the argument that they profit from the film industry’s hard work. He said reviewers are not working for the industry but for the audience, and their responsibility is to provide honest feedback.

If a film lacks quality, honest reviews help viewers save both time and money, he added. In that sense, he described reviewers as performing a kind of social service.

He further highlighted the rising cost of multiplex tickets and food, noting that audiences today spend significant amounts to watch a film. In such a situation, reviews help people decide what to watch and what to avoid.

Varma concluded that attempts to control or suppress reviews through copyright strikes or pressure tactics will not solve the issue. Ultimately, he said, once a ticket is purchased, it is the audience who decides the fate of a film.

His remarks have added fuel to the ongoing debate between filmmakers and YouTube reviewers in Tollywood, once again highlighting the importance of strong content over criticism.