In a first, Chiranjeevi’s Film Moves to Curb Bot-Driven Online Ratings

In a move described as path-breaking, the makers of megastar Chiranjeevi’s upcoming film Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu They took a decisive step against the negativities in the digital field. The team has reportedly introduced the Telugu film industry’s first court-backed legal shield, aimed at preventing bot-driven review bombing and malicious down-rating on online platforms. What makes the move pragmatic is that it goes beyond explanations or warnings and carries enforceable legal authority.

Welcoming the initiative, director Hemanth Madhukar said Telugu filmmakers have been subjected to organized online attacks for years. “Telugu films have suffered as unknown people from various places post extremely low ratings and one-word negative reviews. Internet robots or bots flood the platforms with very low ratings on the first day, which can affect the audience’s perception even before the actual reviews come out,” he said.

Hemanth pointed out that such activities are common on platforms such as X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and BookMyShow. “In some cases, people even upload videos from inside movie theaters and post alarming reviews while the movie is in progress. These reviews and ratings are often at the top, unduly praising or unfairly belittling the movie right after its release,” he added.

Another producer emphasized how the system is manipulated from both ends. “There are cases where films get 1 or 1.5 ratings on opening, which directly impacts audience sentiment. Some of these accounts can be traced to foreign locations, including several African countries, making them difficult to trace. At the same time, some producers spend Rs 2-5 lakh to artificially boost their films with short positive reviews like ‘Great’ or ‘Superb’ and inflated ratings, which distorts public opinion,” the producer said.

Hemanth Madhukar also observed that films are increasingly moving out of the hands of producers and into the control of fan groups. “Fan wars have taken over social media. Fans compare opinions on collections, songs or teasers and attack rival stars. Such organized behavior becomes extremely difficult to track and stop,” he said.

By resorting to judicial intervention to restrict malicious reviews and prevent unfair de-ranking on digital platforms, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu They drew a clear line between genuine criticism and organized digital sabotage. They emphasize that the aim is not to silence viewers, but to preserve fairness, transparency and authenticity in film feedback.

Hemanth concluded, “Currently, such reviews have been stopped on BookMyShow. This legal shield should be extended to social media platforms as well. Only then can we truly stop this negativity business.”