'Baaghi 4': Nadiadwala Grandson files complaint over 'extortion threats' amidst allegations of taking down negative YouTube reviews of Tiger Shroff starrer

Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment (NGE), the banner backing Tiger Shroff’s latest release, 'Baaghi 4', has issued a statement, announcing legal action against individuals who allegedly attempted to 'extort' money and 'threaten' the makers over the publishing of negative reviews.

In a statement shared on their social media pages on Monday, the studio announced their plans to seek legal action and even request a formal investigation into the threats they received after the launch of their film 'Baaghi 4'. According to their post, the makers alleged that they had obtained 'evidence', including call recordings, that have individuals demanding a fee in exchange for withholding their negative reviews and comments online.

Nadiadwala's statement

"Our approach has always been guided by the best interests of every segment of the film fraternity," They said and went on to add, "We are firm supporters of the freedom of speech and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of India. We have never objected — and will never object — to fair criticism or reviews of our films. On the contrary, we believe that constructive criticism is essential for helping filmmakers grow and for fostering the healthy development of the industry."

Legal action

However, drawing a line between criticism and 'extortion', they claimed, "we recently came across evidence — including call recordings — indicating that a few individuals were demanding money and threatening to malign the reputation of our films, directors, and lead actors if their demands were not met. We believe such behaviour warrants investigation by the appropriate authorities. Accordingly, we have referred the matter to the relevant investigative agencies for lawful action."

They went on to emphasise that the legal action was not directed at genuine reviewers and film critics, but aimed at those engaging in "malicious practices." The statement concluded, "We wish to emphasise that these actions are directed solely at those engaging in such malicious practices and not at any genuine, independent reviewers or YouTubers. We value honest work and wholeheartedly welcome their contributions to the healthy progress of the film industry."

Box office performance

According to reports, this comes amidst online chatter that the team has been taking down negative reviews about their film. The film, which is the fourth instalment in the franchise, hit the Rs 50 crore mark in its second weekend. According to Sacnilk, the film currently has a net total collection of Rs 50.06 crore. It is currently Tiger's 8th highest earning film of all time and boasts of a gross collection of Rs 59.25 crore. At the international box office, the film earned an estimated Rs 10.25 crore, thus taking its worldwide box office to an estimated Rs 69.5 crore.