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Columnist, film critic, and author Bharathi S Pradhan has criticised the new trend of press conferences, which once were quintessential to film promotions, being watered down to interactions between stars and journalists limited to a few selected questions.
Bharathi says that it is better to call such interactions as an "event" or "launch" rather than a "press conference". In a conversation with ANI, the seasoned film critic shared cited an example of the 2023 action-thriller film 'Jawan' press conference. "This is something I hold against Shah Rukh Khan for sure because he did something which I find unforgivable. When he had a film called 'Jawan which came out, they called it a press conference and called everybody, and then they cordoned off the media. They had their fans and other people right in front, and it was like a ramp walk where these guys just came, the Jawan guys came, and they only took questions from their own people." She continued, "And the media was not even allowed access in the sense they had cordoned it off. So, how do you call it a press conference? And then you are all the time talking against Modi ji not doing a press conference in India. You people have lost the meaning of a press conference." Released on September 7, 2023, 'Jawan' marked the first collaboration of SRK with director Atlee. The film also stars Deepika Padukone, Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Ridhi Dogra, Lehar Khan, Girija Oak, and Sanjeeta Bhattacharya. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan bagged the trophy for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in 'Jawan' at IIFA 2024 Referring to Akshay Kumar, Bharathi said, "Akshay had (press conference) for 'Sky Force'. He was willing to take all kinds of questions. So there are people..." Earlier Bharathi along with film trade analyst Komal Nahta, delved into the increasing prominence of paid media in the entertainment sector, specifically focusing on paid reviews, influencer promotions, and social media marketing. Komal Nahta shared his personal experience with paid media practices, revealing that he receives daily offers for paid reviews, especially from newcomers to the industry. "A few days ago, someone said that a film is coming on the OTT platform. So, we want a paid review. I swear, my reaction was, I said, you are an ill-mannered person. You don't know whom you are talking to," Nahta said. He explained that such unsolicited offers are becoming increasingly common, and though the individuals making these requests often apologize once confronted, the practice has been normalized in the industry. However, he maintained that both he and Bharathi S. Pradhan do not engage in such practices, holding strong to their integrity. (ANI)
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