Trend-setting is not new to the Telugu film industry. Right from the beginning, the industry has seen many trends. However, all trends cannot be good. So, here’s a trend that is not in good taste:
It is a known fact that it is a film industry norm to have a screening for critics prior to a film’s release. This age old practice is followed in all industries across the world, be it Hollywood, Bollywood or else where. Same is the case with our Telugu film industry, despite the fear of being sharply criticized and getting bad ratings. However, of late, this practice is being side-stepped.
Unlike earlier times, where the show was open to all, today, only a select few critics who are carefully selected are being invited. And it goes without saying that these are critics who are quite liberal with their ratings and suit the vested interests of the producers.
Of course, it is the prerogative of the producers to invite critics of their choice as it’s their show and their film. Not only does this show utter disrespect towards a section of the media, it is also resulting in segregating the media and dividing them. This, many fear will have dangerous consequences in the days to come.
A similar incident happened during the screening of a dubbed film which was released by a banner (which does not live up to its good name) that is known for churning out double-entendre films in the name of youthful films. They happened to invite very few scribes for a screening and when others turned up without invitation, they were ill-treated. This has shocked many in the industry.
It’s still early days and the trend has just started, so we will have to wait and watch where this leads. However, it is definitely not a welcome trend. Let’s hope industry realizes this soon.
