By News18,Yatamanyu Narain

Copyright news18

Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi 4 has been at the centre of multiple debates ever since its release. The high-octane actioner faced 23 cuts from the Central Board of Film Certification despite being granted an “A” certificate, with muted dialogues, trimmed fight sequences, and censored visuals sparking outrage among fans. On top of that, hours after its theatrical release, the film fell victim to piracy, raising concerns about potential losses at the box office.
Amid these setbacks, another controversy has gained momentum: YouTubers and independent reviewers claiming they’ve been hit with copyright strikes for reviewing Baaghi 4. Prominent creators argued that the takedowns targeted their fair-use content, silencing negative opinions about the film. This set off a heated debate about the fragile balance between protecting intellectual property and preserving freedom of criticism online.
Concerns from the reviewer community
YouTubers like Deeksha Sharma and other film reviewers with millions of subscribers spoke out against the strikes, warning that multiple claims could lead to the permanent deletion of their channels. Many alleged that copyright enforcement tools were being misused not to protect creative rights, but to suppress unfavourable commentary on Baaghi 4.
The uproar quickly spilled onto social media, where fans and critics accused production houses of stifling dissent. In response, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment (NGE), the studio behind Baaghi 4, released an official clarification to draw a line between fair reviews and what it calls malicious practices.

NGE’s official statement
NGE began its clarification by reaffirming its legacy and long-standing ties within the industry, “Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment (NGE) is a renowned film production house that has been an integral part of the Indian film industry for over 75 years. During this time, we have produced numerous blockbuster films while consistently nurturing warm, professional relationships with all stakeholders in the industry. Our approach has always been guided by the best interests of every segment of the film fraternity.”

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The company then underlined its support for freedom of expression, making it clear that it has no objection to constructive reviews or criticism, “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.”
NGE also highlighted the real issue at hand — allegations of extortion and blackmail — while confirming that legal steps had already been taken, “However, 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.”
Finally, the studio drew a sharp distinction between genuine reviewers and those indulging in coercive tactics, reassuring the film community that honest voices are always welcome, “We wish to emphasize 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.”
The bigger picture
NGE’s clarification attempts to reassure the reviewer community that its actions are not aimed at silencing fair opinions but at curbing extortion and blackmail disguised as criticism. The statement, however, comes at a critical time when film reviews on YouTube and Instagram Reels directly influence public perception and box office performance.
The debate highlights a larger industry-wide concern: how far can studios go in protecting their films’ reputations without infringing on creators’ right to review, parody, or critique? For now, NGE’s message draws a distinction — fair reviews will always be respected, but malicious attempts at extortion will face legal consequences.
As Baaghi 4 continues its theatrical run, the controversy around copyright strikes remains a flashpoint, reminding both filmmakers and content creators that their relationship is more intertwined — and more volatile — than ever before.