Amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the release of Vijay's final film Jana Nayagan, actor Sivakarthikeyan has broken his silence on the censorship fiasco that has rocked the Tamil film industry this Pongal season. His own film, Parasakthi, received its censor certificate just a day before its scheduled release on January 10, prompting the star to call for a systemic change.
A Pongal Clash Derailed
Sivakarthikeyan expressed his disappointment over the turn of events, stating he had hoped audiences would enjoy both films during the festive period. "This was very unexpected. No one thought the film would get postponed," he said during a media interaction in Chennai. He described the intended box office scenario as an "Annan Thambi Pongal," a brotherly celebration where both films could thrive.
Reflecting on the turbulent last 15 days, the actor noted the industry was learning new things daily. He revealed that even while promoting his film in Trichy, the team was aware the censor certificate for Parasakthi was pending, yet they continued their work. "Today, we know that Parasakthi will release on January 10," he confirmed, distancing himself from any notion of competition. "I don't like to compete with anyone—there is enough space for everyone. If I wanted to compete, I would have become an athlete or a boxer."
Court Proceedings and a Call for Early Certification
The legal battle over Jana Nayagan's certification took a new turn as the Madras High Court temporarily stayed a single judge's order that had granted the film a U/A certificate. The hearing has now been adjourned to January 21, effectively stalling the film's release.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice criticized the production house, KVN Productions LLP, for creating a "false state of emergency." The court pointed out that the producers had planned a release for January 9 without possessing the mandatory censor certificate. "How can you go ahead with the screening of a movie without having a certificate in hand?" the bench questioned.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi represented the production house, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was not given adequate opportunity to present its case. The court concurred, noting the CBFC was directed to produce records on January 7 and wasn't allowed to file a detailed counter-affidavit.
Learning from this high-pressure situation, Sivakarthikeyan offered a crucial piece of advice to the industry. "Maybe we should send films for certification much more in advance," he remarked, highlighting the need for better planning to avoid last-minute crises.
Steering Clear of Social Media Noise
Addressing broader controversies often surrounding stars, Sivakarthikeyan shared his personal approach to handling criticism. "I prefer to focus on my work," he stated, adding that he feels accountable only to people he knows personally. He mentioned spending more time with family and close friends for happiness.
In a witty observation on the nature of online criticism, he said, "If I log onto social media, it feels like everyone—including President Trump—is criticising us." His comments underscore a conscious decision to disengage from anonymous negativity and prioritize his craft and personal well-being.
As Parasakthi gears up for its release and Jana Nayagan awaits its fate in court, Sivakarthikeyan's call for proactive certification submissions resonates as a key takeaway from this Pongal's unexpected cinematic drama.
