New Delhi: The Film Critics Guild has released a statement condemning the targeted attacks and harassment faced by film critics and journalists this week over their less-than-favourable reviews of the film Dhurandhar.

"Such interference strikes at the core of independent film criticism and undermines the editorial autonomy that a functioning cultural ecosystem relies upon," the guild said, taking a stand in solidarity with critics.

The guild is India’s first registered association of film critics and was formed in August 2018. It has 57 members across media for print, digital platforms and radio, in 13 cities across India. Its managing committee has Anupama Chopra, Bharati Pradhan, Udita Jhunjhunwala, Stutee Ghosh, Shomini Sen, Sachin Chatte, Arnab Banerjee, Anuj Kumar, and Sucharita Tyagi.

The full statement is below. 

§

The Film Critics Guild (FCG) strongly condemns the targeted attacks, harassment, and hate directed toward film critics for their reviews of Dhurandhar. What began as disagreement has rapidly devolved into coordinated abuse, personal attacks on individual critics, and organised attempts to discredit their professional integrity.

In recent days, several of our members have faced intimidation, including direct threats and vicious online campaigns aimed at silencing their perspectives, simply for expressing their professional assessment of a film. More concerningly, there have been attempts to tamper with existing reviews, influence editorial positions, and persuade publications to alter or dilute their stance.

This comes on the back of frequent devaluing and ridiculing of film criticism by a broad spectrum of industry players in the recent past. Such interference strikes at the core of independent film criticism and undermines the editorial autonomy that a functioning cultural ecosystem relies upon.

This willingness to police opinion sets a dangerous precedent. Claims that professional film critics have a bias or a political axe to grind are unsubstantiated and malicious. Film critics cannot be intimidated for doing their jobs, just as criticism cannot and should not be reduced to a one-line social media reaction or expected to align with promotional narratives.

We are also deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of our colleagues from across the country. No professional should be subjected to personal vilification simply for doing their job. We urge the public, the industry, and all stakeholders to recognise that liking or disliking a film is your right but expecting critics to fall in line is not.

This moment demands collective reflection.

At stake is more than a single film. The integrity of cultural discourse depends on the ability of critics to speak freely and without fear. We call for restraint, respect, and a commitment to the principles that allow art, debate, and criticism to coexist.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.