Cinemas Diary exists to give film lovers accurate, useful and enjoyable coverage of Malayalam and Indian cinema. This Editorial Policy explains the standards our writers and editors follow — from how we choose stories to how we fact-check, review films and correct mistakes. We publish it so our readers can hold us to it.
1. Our Mission
Our mission is to be a trustworthy diary of cinema: helping readers discover great films, understand the industry, and decide what to watch — without clickbait, fake news or paid opinions.
2. Core Principles
- Accuracy – we verify facts before publishing.
- Independence – advertisers, producers and PR agencies have no control over our content or ratings.
- Fairness – we treat filmmakers, actors and readers with respect.
- Transparency – we disclose sponsored content, affiliate links and corrections.
- Usefulness – every article should answer a real question a reader has.
3. Sourcing and Fact-Checking
We rely on primary and reputable sources, including:
- official announcements from production houses, distributors and OTT platforms;
- official trailers, posters and verified social media accounts of filmmakers and actors;
- government and award body announcements (such as the Kerala State Film Awards and National Film Awards);
- established news organisations and trade publications.
Release dates, cast and crew names, streaming platforms and box office figures are cross-checked with at least one reliable source. When information is not officially confirmed, we clearly label it as “reported”, “expected” or “unconfirmed”. We never fabricate quotes or attribute statements to people who did not make them.
4. Reviews and Ratings
Our film reviews are written by team members who have watched the full film. Ratings are given on a five-point scale and consider story and screenplay, performances, direction, music and background score, and technical aspects such as cinematography and editing. Reviews are kept spoiler-light; where a discussion of plot details is necessary, we provide a clear warning.
We do not accept payment, gifts or any other benefit in exchange for a review or rating. Free press screenings, if attended, do not influence our opinion.
5. Celebrity Coverage
We focus on the work and public achievements of artists. We avoid publishing intrusive personal details, speculation about relationships or health, and anything that could cause harm or harassment. We do not publish morphed images or misleading thumbnails.
6. Headlines and Images
Headlines must accurately reflect the article. We avoid sensationalism and misleading phrases. Featured images are relevant to the story, properly licensed, and credited where the licence requires it.
7. Use of Technology and AI Tools
Our team may use digital tools, including AI-assisted tools, for research support, grammar checks and drafting. Every article is reviewed, fact-checked and edited by a human editor before publication, and the editorial team takes full responsibility for what we publish.
8. Updates and Corrections
Information in entertainment journalism changes often. We regularly update evergreen articles — such as OTT guides and upcoming movie lists — and show the “Updated” date on the article. When we discover a factual error, we correct it promptly. Significant corrections are noted at the end of the article.
Readers can report errors at mail@admarq.in with the subject line “Correction”.
9. Sponsored Content and Advertising
Advertising is managed separately from editorial work. Any sponsored article will be clearly labelled as “Sponsored” or “Partner Content”. See our Advertising Policy and Affiliate Disclosure.
10. Anti-Piracy Commitment
We never link to or promote pirated films, leaked prints or illegal streaming websites. We encourage readers to support cinema through theatres and licensed OTT platforms.
11. Feedback
We welcome feedback on our coverage. If you think we fell short of these standards, please write to mail@admarq.in. An editor will review your concern.