The Jana Nayagan certification row has dominated discussions in the Tamil film industry this week. Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay’s much-awaited film Jana Nayagan was slated for a worldwide release on January 9.
However, due to a certification dispute with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the film could not release as scheduled, disappointing fans, the makers and distributors.
The issue further escalated when legal proceedings related to the matter were taken up at the Madras High Court on January 9. By Friday night, the makers expressed faith in the judiciary and issued an apology to Thalapathy Vijay’s fans for the delay. Despite this, the setback has caused significant disruption, prompting reactions from several members of the film fraternity.
Kamal Haasan reacts
Amid the ongoing controversy, India’s original Pan-India star and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Kamal Haasan took to his X account to share an official statement on the issue, drawing attention to the larger implications of the certification delay.
Also Read: Jana Nayagan: Madras HC slams CBFC, orders immediate U/A certificate for Thalapathy Vijay’s film
What did Kamal Haasan write?
Kamal Haasan shared a note titled ‘For Art, For Artists, For the Constitution’, underlining the importance of freedom of expression in a democratic society.
“India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, guided by reason, never diminished by opacity. This moment is larger than any one film; it reflects the space we accord art and artists in a constitutional democracy.”
Cinema is a collective effort
The veteran actor further highlighted how cinema sustains a ecosystem of professionals whose livelihoods depend on timely and transparent processes.
“Cinema is not the labour of an individual alone but the collective effort of an ecosystem of writers, technicians, performers, exhibitors, and small businesses whose livelihoods depend on a fair and timely process.”
Principled relook at certification process
Making a strong statement, Kamal Haasan says, “When clarity is absent, creativity is constrained, economic activity is disrupted, and public trust is weakened. Tamil Nadu and India’s cinema lovers bring passion, discernment, and maturity to the arts; they deserve openness and respect. What is required now is a principled relook at the certification processes with defined timelines for certification, transparent evaluation, and written, reasoned justification for every suggested cut or edit.”
Call for industry unity
Concluding his note, Kamal Haasan appealed for collective action and dialogue between the film industry and government institutions.
“This is also a moment for the entire film industry o unite and engage in meaningful, constructive dialogue with our government institution. Such reform with safeguard creative freedom, uphold constitutional value and strengthen India’s democratic institutions by affirming trust in its artists and its people, Kamal Haasan.”