Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan has issued a powerful critique of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), calling for urgent systemic reforms. His intervention comes amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the delayed certification and subsequent postponement of Thalapathy Vijay's final film, "Jana Nayagan."
A Call for Constitutional Principles and Transparency
Taking to social media platform X, Kamal Haasan framed the issue as one of constitutional importance. He stated that India's Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, a right that should be guided by reason and not hindered by opaque processes. "This moment is larger than any one film; it reflects the space we accord art and artists in a constitutional democracy," he wrote.
Haasan emphasized that cinema is a collective enterprise involving writers, technicians, performers, and numerous small businesses. He argued that their livelihoods depend on a fair and timely certification process, which is currently lacking. Highlighting the maturity of Indian audiences, especially in Tamil Nadu, he stated that cinema lovers bring passion and discernment to the arts and deserve openness and respect from institutions.
The Prescription for Change: Timelines and Written Justifications
Outlining a clear path for reform, Kamal Haasan detailed what he sees as the immediate need. "What is required now is a principled relook at certification processes with defined timelines, transparent evaluation, and written, reasoned justification for every suggested cut or edit," he asserted.
He urged the Indian film industry to unite and engage in a constructive dialogue with government institutions. According to him, such reforms would safeguard creative freedom, uphold constitutional values, and strengthen democratic institutions by affirming trust in artists and the public.
The Immediate Context: Jana Nayagan and a Pattern of Delays
Kamal Haasan's statement is directly linked to the crisis facing "Jana Nayagan," directed by H Vinoth. The film, touted as Vijay's last before his political entry and carrying massive financial stakes, was scheduled for a Pongal release. However, the Madras High Court pushed the hearing on the certification delay to January 21, 2026, effectively causing the film to miss the crucial festive window.
This incident is not isolated. Actor Sivakarthikeyan recently revealed the frantic last-minute process for his film "Parasakthi." The CBFC issued the certificate just a day before its release, mandating 25 cuts and granting a U/A rating. Sivakarthikeyan disclosed that his team had only 10 hours to implement all the changes, leaving no scope for discussion or explanation of context for certain dialogues. He noted that the rush to meet the release date forced them to comply without question, prioritizing the film's release over artistic debate.
The producer of "Jana Nayagan" has also claimed that the CBFC did not issue the certificate even after the suggested edits were made, leading to the abrupt postponement. This pattern of last-minute decisions and a lack of transparent communication has become a significant point of contention for filmmakers.
Kamal Haasan's broadside adds considerable weight to the growing demand for a more predictable, respectful, and constitutionally-aligned film certification system in India. It underscores a critical juncture where the processes governing artistic expression are being called to account by one of Indian cinema's most respected figures.
