The Changing Role of Film Critics in the New Era

For decades, film critics held a powerful position in shaping how audiences perceived cinema. Their reviews in newspapers, magazines, and television programs often determined whether a film would succeed or fail. However, in the age of social media, the role of critics has dramatically evolved. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, as well as YouTube have democratized film discussion, allowing anyone to become a reviewer or a potential critic. As a result, the authority of traditional critics has shifted from being gatekeepers of cinematic opinion to participants in a much larger public conversation.

If we reminisce about the old times, before the rise of social media, critics writing for newspapers and magazines shaped public opinion through carefully crafted reviews. A few influential voices would significantly impact a film’s reputation and box office performance. For instance, classic films like Sholay and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge were discussed and evaluated largely through print journalism and television programs. Critics loved to analyze story structure, performances, cinematography, and themes, as they brought the literary and cultural views into film discourse.

In that era, audiences relied on critics as guides who helped them decide which films were worth watching; their reviews carried weight because they were perceived as knowledgeable authorities with a deep understanding of cinema.

However, with the digital revolution, which has transformed this relationship between critics and audiences, social media platforms have given viewers the access to instantly share reactions, ratings, memes, and short reviews. Apparently, a film’s reception now unfolds in real time as audiences post their thoughts minutes after leaving the theatre.

Something which still has an existential value is the emergence of video reviewers and film commentators on platforms like YouTube. These creators/critics have taken a road to blend criticism with entertainment, often presenting reviews through either humor, reaction videos, or deep-dive intellectual analysis. Their accessibility and conversational style make film discussion feel more personal and relatable, which eventually draws audiences across the nation.

This shift has also blurred the line between critic and fan. Many modern reviewers like Anmol Jamwal, Anupama Chopra, began as enthusiastic viewers and admirers who built audiences through consistent commentary and engaging storytelling.

Similarly, in this era, the pace of criticism is also accelerating. Critics are often expected to publish instant reactions soon after a film’s release to stay relevant in the fast-moving online conversation, which sometimes also loses the essence of deep analysis the movie deserves.

As traditional criticism was built on thoughtful interpretation and contextual understanding, today, the challenge for critics is balancing speed with substance. Perhaps the most significant change is that critics are no longer the sole authorities guiding audiences. Instead, they are part of a broader ecosystem of opinions that includes fans, influencers, casual viewers and a hint of monetizing their skills too. In this new system, the value of a critic lies not in controlling the narrative but in making it rich, offering deeper insights, contextual analysis, and historical perspectives that casual commentary might overlook, if done.

Despite the shift toward audience driven discourse, film criticism will remain essential, always. Considering, cinema is a layered art form that gets its due from thoughtful interpretation and critical thoughts, the media landscape evolves, critics who adapt by engaging with audiences online while maintaining analytical depth will continue to play an important role in shaping how we understand and appreciate films. Afterall, films are an art form, and art needs to be studied.