‘Jana Nayagan’ censor row: Kamal Haasan seeks transparent, time-bound film certification process

Makkal Needhi Maiam president and Rajya Sabha member Kamal Haasan on Saturday (January 10, 2026) called for a principled relook at the film certification process, with defined timelines, transparent evaluation, and written, reasoned justification for every suggested cut or edit.

The observations by Mr. Haasan, a seasoned actor himself, came a day after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared actor Sivakarthikeyan-starrer Parasakthi, albeit with 25 cuts, while actor-turned-politician Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan remains in litigation in the Madras High Court.

“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,” Mr. Haasan said in a statement.

According to him, 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. “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,” he said.

This is also a moment for the entire film industry to unite and engage in meaningful, constructive dialogue with government institutions. Such reform will safeguard creative freedom, uphold constitutional values, and strengthen India’s democratic institutions by affirming trust in its artists and its people, he added.