Ravi Kishan Steps In as Jana Nayagan's CBFC Battle Intensifies, Promises Parliamentary Action
In a significant development surrounding the ongoing controversy over Jana Nayagan, actor and Member of Parliament Ravi Kishan has publicly offered his assistance to resolve the film's certification impasse with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The much-anticipated final cinematic venture of superstar Vijay before his full-fledged political plunge has been embroiled in a legal tussle after failing to secure the necessary clearance from the censor board, casting uncertainty over its release schedule.
A Phone Call Away: Kishan's Direct Appeal to the Film Fraternity
Speaking exclusively to SCREEN, Ravi Kishan emphasized his readiness to intervene, stating, "I am just a phone call away." He clarified that while he had not received any formal complaints regarding Jana Nayagan, his role as a parliamentarian obliges him to support the cinema community. "If any film is stuck, I can definitely call the censor board," Kishan affirmed, urging filmmakers to reach out to him directly through written communication or phone calls.
Understanding the Certification Delays: Workload and Scrutiny Challenges
Explaining the recurrent delays in film certifications, Ravi Kishan pointed to the immense workload and rigorous scrutiny faced by the CBFC. "What could be the reason for delays is that they have to scan multiple things in a film," he noted. The board must ensure language appropriateness, prevent hurt to religious sentiments, and avoid misrepresentation of real-life incidents. Kishan raised a critical question: "The real question is how many screenings the panel members can realistically conduct in a single day."
Commitment to Industry Welfare and Upcoming Parliamentary Push
Reiterating his dedication to the film fraternity, which he considers his family, Ravi Kishan conveyed a message of reassurance. "All this is happening while our government is in power, so it is my responsibility to take care of my fraternity. They don't need to worry," he asserted. Looking ahead, Kishan revealed plans to escalate the matter at the parliamentary level. "I will personally speak with the Information Ministry. Parliament will be in session soon, and I will make sure to discuss how we can improve the censor board by making it bigger, better equipped, and faster in the certification process so producers can release films on time," he declared.
Broader Context: CBFC Under Scrutiny and Recent Precedents
The CBFC has been under intense scrutiny over the past year, with Jana Nayagan emerging as the latest focal point of controversy. Several other films have encountered similar obstacles, highlighting systemic issues within the certification framework. For instance, Sivakarthikeyan's Parasakthi received its certificate merely a day before its scheduled release, forcing the makers to implement over 25 mandated changes within a tight 10-hour window, which subsequently impacted its box office performance. Additionally, inconsistencies have been noted, such as films that warranted an 'A' certificate being granted a 'U/A' rating instead, further questioning the board's decision-making processes.
Despite mounting criticism from filmmakers and industry insiders, CBFC members have largely remained silent on these allegations, underscoring the urgency for reforms as advocated by figures like Ravi Kishan. The outcome of his proposed parliamentary intervention could potentially reshape the certification landscape, ensuring timely releases for future cinematic projects.
