Chennai

Veteran actor-politician Kamal Haasan has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), voicing concerns over freedom of expression and the impact of opaque censorship practices on the film industry.

Without naming any specific institution or film, Haasan said the issue goes beyond individual projects and reflects the broader space accorded to art and artists in a constitutional democracy.

“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,” Haasan stated in a post on X. He emphasised that cinema is a collective endeavour involving writers, technicians, performers, exhibitors and small businesses whose livelihoods depend on a fair and timely certification process.

Highlighting the economic and creative implications of delayed or unclear decisions, Haasan said, “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.”

Calling for systemic reform, he urged a principled review of the certification framework, advocating defined timelines, transparent evaluation mechanisms and written, reasoned explanations for every suggested cut or edit. Haasan also appealed to the film fraternity to unite and engage in constructive dialogue to safeguard creative freedom and uphold constitutional values.

His remarks come amid the controversy surrounding actor Vijay’s film ‘Jana Nayagan’. On Friday, the Madras High Court directed the CBFC to issue a U/A 16+ certificate for the film, days after its theatrical release was postponed.

“The writ petition has been allowed by the Madras High Court. If the movie is not screened on time, it will result in huge losses. The lawyers informed us that 27 scenes have been cut. If the CBFC goes for an appeal, we will face it in court,” said Indra Dhanraj, joint coordinator of the state legal wing of TVK.

However, producer Venkat K. Narayana said the matter remains sub judice. In a video message, he explained that the film had initially received clearance after incorporating certain cuts suggested by the CBFC, but was later referred to a revising committee following a complaint.

“With time running out and without knowing the identity of the complainant, we approached the High Court. While the court directed that the certificate be issued, the CBFC immediately challenged the decision, and the order has been stayed,” he said.

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Directed by H. Vinoth and produced under the banner of KVN Productions, ‘Jana Nayagan’ is being billed as Thalapathy Vijay’s final film.