One of India’s most trusted movie review channels, Filmi Indian, is fighting for survival after receiving multiple copyright strikes from Bollywood producers. Its creator, Deeksha Sharma, revealed the shocking details in her emotional video titled “Please Save Me!”, and the controversy has since set the internet ablaze with debates over fair use, free speech, and the rights of creators on YouTube.
Filmi Indian is a popular movie review YouTube channel run by Deeksha Sharma, a Delhi University graduate who started her YouTube journey in July 2018. Over the years, she has become a household name for movie fans who want honest, unbiased reviews.
Unlike many influencers, Deeksha has always refused paid promotions and brand tie-ups, choosing instead to stay authentic. Her dedication won her more than 4.6 million subscribers, making her one of India’s most reliable independent reviewers.
The trouble began on September 5, 2025, when Deeksha uploaded reviews for newly released films. While her videos were gaining traction, one Bollywood producer’s official channel flagged her content with a copyright strike.
Deeksha attempted to resolve the issue via email, but no response came. Instead, things escalated quickly, three more strikes landed on older videos, some dating back six months.
According to YouTube’s policy, three copyright strikes mean instant channel deletion. Deeksha stressed that she never uploaded pirated content or full movie clips.
Instead, her use of official posters and images was solely for discussion, critique, and commentary, an approach widely recognised as fair use.
Refusing to surrender, Deeksha went public. In her video, she explained how copyright laws are being misused by big producers to silence independent voices. She insisted her work does not harm the box office or misrepresent film content—it only gives audiences an honest opinion.
Instead of begging to keep her channel alive, Deeksha took a strong stand. She urged fellow creators to unite, shared government contacts for reporting unfair copyright actions, and called on her subscribers to spread awareness.
The response was immediate. Fans rallied behind her, and hashtags like #SupportCreators and #FilmiIndian started trending. Prominent YouTubers such as Suraj Kumar, Yogi Bolta Hai, and Flickverse openly criticized Bollywood studios for targeting reviewers instead of tackling real piracy.
Many creators agreed this was not just about one channel; it was about protecting everyone’s right to honest expression.
The Filmi Indian crisis is bigger than a single YouTube channel. It highlights how copyright strikes can be misused as a control mechanism, forcing influencers to give positive reviews or stay silent.
As YouTube reviewers have grown in influence, some Bollywood studios allegedly see them as a threat rather than a bridge to audiences.
Reports from The B Cast Review, ShrushCineWorld, and multiple trending discussions confirm that Deeksha’s videos were standard reviews, not piracy or false commentary. The strikes were less about copyright infringement and more about suppressing criticism.
This episode has sparked a larger conversation about digital copyright laws in India. Should movie reviewers be punished for using film posters? Should honest criticism fall under copyright policing? Many say it’s time for policymakers, platforms, and creators to work together to ensure free speech isn’t buried under technicalities.
As Deeksha Sharma fights to save Filmi Indian, one truth stands out: genuine, independent reviews should never be silenced by powerful studios.
