Ajith's Nerkonda Paarvai which by now everyone knows is a film completely based on the subject of 'consent', especially women in our country is hitting theater screens tomorrow. The preview shows of the film were recently held at Chennai and Singapore, resulting in early reviews of the film cropping up all over [MovieCrow's Review Here]. One such review from a video channel called 'Valaipechu' landed in some major trouble after a reviewer named Anthanan missing the whole point of the film went about ranting, 

"The three girls in the movie do not seem worthy of any sympathy. They seem to be from upper class, they go to pub and drink and when they are investigated, it comes to be known that they have their first sex at 19 years of age and after that too have sex with 2-3 other men. It leads us to conclude 'why bother whatever happens to them'. That is the minus of this film (Nerkonda Paarvai).." 

His two other co-reviewers go on to agree, "What they showed in Pink, girls going to pub and having sex is commonplace in the North, hence the film did well and the character of these girls did not prick too much. But when the same comes to Tamil, this seems alienated from our culture and society. Hence we develop a vested interest that we aren't bothered if anything happens to these girls." [video here]

Internet was quick to call out their misogyny with #BanValaipechu and swiftly followed the channel's apology that read, "We have learnt that some of our statements in the recently released video review of #NerkondaPaaravai has hurt the sentiments of many, and we regret to have made these statements. The particular video has been taken down." 

The apology though seen as a welcome move, still seems to be missing the whole point of the debate. The internet did not outrage because 'sentiments were hurt', they were enraged because the stereotype that 'a female's lifestyle choices are proportional to the sensitivity shown towards her' is the very reason why a Pink or Nerkonda Paarvai is made in the first place.

And when online channels where people come to infer the take-away of social films (as opposed to just checking the review of a film) make continuous ignorant statements, it not only sends out a wrong message but also questions the credibility of the source.

Kashmir to Kanyakumari, women's experiences are the same with patriarchal, misogynistic men. pic.twitter.com/qELIz7wghf

— #MeTooIndia (@IndiaMeToo) August 7, 2019

Let the film fraternity clearly distinguish between journalists with integrity and those who will stoop to any level for clicks. PROs and film makers must blacklist defaulting individuals. Gossip culture cannot be stopped. You can however fight against it. Change the bad habits!

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) August 7, 2019

PINK is the movie for everyone,in particular d movie targets the men like #Valaipechu team

The success of #NerkondaPaaravai is already visible

Best wishes to the complete team for the realease tomorrow and kudos again to actor AJITH for targeting the wider reach in the state❤️

— Balaji Duraisamy (@balajidtweets) August 7, 2019

How is this enough? This is like saying think whatever you want. Just don't say it publicly. That's exactly what these assholes will do now.

— Karthik Rengarajan (@karthik_1710) August 7, 2019

The movie has been made for people like you only. Innum evvalavu padam eduthalum ungala madiri aalungala thiruthave mudiyadhu.

— Nityasri Uma Mahesh (@thenerdymoron) August 6, 2019

Now also, you don't seem to be admitting your saying was wrong. If this is your proffession, respect it when it has to be respected. It ia not people's sentiment that u need to realise, but u need to learn to respect an individual's feel, regardless of gender differences

— Kanaga Sabapathi (@Sabapathi_Tamil) August 7, 2019

Yes, they blamed victims for pollachi incident.

— Whateveryouname🔦 (@Ohnomynameis) August 7, 2019

Hurt the sentiments? Still didn't realize what you said was completely wrong ! What are you guys?

— Sai N Sukumaran (@SaiNSukumaran) August 6, 2019