Lights, camera… intrusion? Invasive paparazzi spark industry debate, film chamber steps in

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has decided to introduce stricter guidelines for paparazzi and digital media covering film events after complaints from actors about intrusive filming and objectionable content circulating online. The move comes after actor Sapthami Gowda raised concerns about paparazzi behaviour when photographs of her taken from an unflattering angle went viral. Following her complaint, she met chamber president Dr Jaimala, prompting a meeting with film publicists, media professionals and paparazzi to address the growing issue.
The chamber has now warned paparazzi to be mindful of the content they publish and indicated that legal action could be initiated if guidelines are violated.
While the decision has sparked debate within the industry, actors, publicists and paparazzi themselves say the issue reflects a larger shift in the digital era — where visibility, virality and dignity often collide.

Content over consent? Actors speak outActors say the increasing presence of paparazzi at film events has created an atmosphere where they are constantly being filmed, often in ways that prioritise sensational content over context. “We are all getting used to being papped from the moment we step out of our cars to being followed into the venue where the film event is being held. However, I notice that the paps cover everything except the actual event they’ve come for. Usually, it’s provocative content that they are after,” says Chaithra J Achar.
Actor Sruthi Hariharan believes the trend reflects a disturbing culture that commodifies women’s bodies for online traction. “As someone who has been at the receiving end of a culture that sells content at the expense of someone’s dignity, I abhor this trend of manufacturing videos for the male gaze. A few years ago, an image of mine went viral where certain parts of my body had been enlarged — it was downright disgusting. I can only imagine how a woman, whether an actor or a college student, feels when a disparaging video is circulated online. You feel utterly invaded, and not everyone is equipped to deal with the sleazy comments that flood our timelines,” she says.
Actor Malavika Avinash, who has seen an era when mainstream media primarily covered film events, says she finds it striking that a loosely organised group of youngsters armed with mobile phones now operate as paparazzi across the city. “They are everywhere now — airports, cafés, gyms, inaugurations, film premieres and even funerals. It’s voyeurism rather than publicity because nothing is being promoted there except their own content,” she says.

Publicity vs dignity: The PRO perspectiveIndustry insiders say the relationship between actors and paparazzi is more complicated than it appears. Celebrity manager Praveen Yadav says that while some actors complain about intrusive coverage, others actively encourage it. “Press meets are meant to publicise a film, but some artistes seek to draw attention to themselves. We recently barred an actor from attending the press meet of our film because she would dress in skimpy clothes to provoke the paparazzi, shifting the focus from the film to herself,” he says. “Some actors bring their own paparazzi to film events and we can’t do much about it because they have been paid by the artiste to be there. Even producers now insist that paparazzi be part of film events because they believe that likes, shares and viewership drive audiences to movie theatres,” he adds.
Film PRO Harish Urs says that while digital coverage can help smaller films gain attention, sensational content should not become the primary promotional tool.
“Paparazzi may help draw attention to small films or actors trying to find a foothold in the industry. But relying on them to drive publicity through racy pictures or distasteful videos is not the right way to go about it. We have now decided to form a group for the paparazzi to bring them under a set of rules and regulations. At least we can get videos deleted if they violate the guidelines,” he says.
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