Samosa Critics: Paid Reviews Masquerading as Honest Opinions

In the world of cinema, audiences look to film critics for guidance, someone who can cut through the noise of promotions and tell them honestly whether a film is worth their time and money. But what happens when critics themselves become part of the very machinery they’re supposed to question?
Enter what many in the industry are now calling “Samosa Critics.”
Who Are Samosa Critics?
These are self-proclaimed reviewers who claim to be the voice of the audience but operate with a hidden agenda. Their reviews aren’t guided by artistic merit, storytelling, or performance. Instead, they are driven by payments, free perks, and sponsored deals.
If producers or PR teams “treat them well”, with money, gifts, or special invites, suddenly the same film that was “average” turns into a “masterpiece.” On the flip side, if they don’t get their samosa packets (payment), they start bashing the film with exaggerated negativity, nitpicking flaws, and creating online noise until someone finally pays up.

The Role of Petty-Minded Producers
The irony is that it’s not just the critics at fault. Some petty-minded producers themselves keep this cycle alive. Instead of trusting their content, they happily pay off such critics, believing that a few positive reviews can magically boost box office numbers. In doing so, they give even more power to these so-called “Samosa Critics,” making them feel like gatekeepers of success.
But here’s the truth: audiences today are smarter. A fake “must-watch” review cannot save a bad film, and no amount of negativity can stop a good film from winning hearts.

The Damage They Do
This toxic system hurts everyone:
1. Producers who don’t pay get unfairly targeted.
2. Audiences get misled by reviews that are anything but genuine.
3. Honest critics who still value integrity get drowned out by the louder, paid voices.

The end result? A distorted picture of cinema where money dictates opinion more than the film itself.

Why This Must Be Called Out
Cinema thrives on honest feedback. Filmmakers improve when they receive genuine criticism, and audiences build trust when reviews reflect reality. But Samosa Critics, backed by petty-minded producers, turn the entire system into a marketplace of manipulated opinions.

The Way Forward
What cinema needs right now is a return to honesty. Critics must remember that their responsibility is to the audience, not to the highest bidder. At the same time, producers must stop fueling this unhealthy cycle. If filmmakers truly believe in their craft, they don’t need to depend on the artificial approval of samosa critics. And as for the audience, awareness is key, people should learn to spot biased reviews and trust their own judgment instead of being swayed by paid noise.

Until then, every time you see a review that feels overly sweet or unnecessarily bitter, ask yourself: Was this an honest opinion, or just another “samosa” transaction funded by a petty-minded producer?