Prominent members of the Bengali film industry took a strong stand against the rising tide of online abuse by meeting with senior officials at the Lalbazar headquarters of Kolkata Police on Monday. The delegation, comprising acclaimed actors, directors, producers, and industry body representatives, sought urgent intervention and stricter action against cyber-crime, personal attacks, and harassment targeting artists and film projects.
Who Raised the Voice Against Online Abuse?
The meeting saw the participation of a powerful contingent from Tollywood. Notable actors such as Jisshu U Sengupta, Abir Chatterjee, and Parambrata Chattopadhyay were present. They were joined by renowned filmmakers Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Srijit Mukherji, along with composer-director Indraadip Das Gupta. The industry's producers also attended, alongside key representatives from major film bodies. These included Swarup Biswas, president of the Federation of Cine Technicians & Workers of Eastern India, and Pia Sengupta, president of the Eastern India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA).
What Were the Key Concerns Highlighted?
The delegation presented two primary issues causing serious distress within the film fraternity. Firstly, they raised alarm over alleged deliberate manipulation of online ratings for a newly released film on a major ticketing platform. They claimed this led to a sharp and suspicious drop in the film's score soon after its release, potentially harming its commercial prospects. A formal complaint regarding this specific incident has already been filed.
Secondly, and more broadly, the artists highlighted the pervasive problem of sustained trolling, abusive posts, and online threats directed at individuals. They emphasized that while constructive criticism is a part of public discourse, personal attacks and threats cross a line and create an unsafe working environment.
A Unified Stand for Dignity and Safety
Clarifying the purpose of the meeting, Swarup Biswas stated that the move was not targeted at any individual but was a collective effort to protect the dignity and safety of everyone associated with the industry. The delegation appealed for a thorough investigation into these matters and the implementation of stronger safeguards against online harassment.
Parambrata Chattopadhyay succinctly captured the sentiment, stating, "Constructive criticism is always welcome - but personal abuse has no place in a civil public discourse. Personal attacks are not criticism. While opinions are fine, abusive language is unacceptable."
Echoing this, Swarup Biswas confirmed that the initiative specifically targets the menace of online bullying and harassment. Pia Sengupta added a crucial perspective, noting, "Liking a film is personal, but threats are not. We are protesting online harassment to demand a safer work culture." This meeting marks a significant step by the Bengali film industry to collaboratively address digital misconduct with law enforcement agencies.
