Amid Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' release delay, Kamal Haasan demands ''principled relook'' at film certification process

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Saturday called for a revamp of the country’s film certification system, citing the need for greater transparency and accountability.

His remarks come amid a critical moment for the Tamil film industry, following the stalled release of Vijay’s upcoming film 'Jana Nayagan'.

In a statement, Haasan said, “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 to art and artists in a constitutional democracy.” He underlined that cinema is not the labour of an individual alone but a collective effort involving writers, technicians, performers, exhibitors, and small businesses whose livelihoods depend on a fair and timely certification process.

“When clarity is absent, creativity is constrained, economic activity is disrupted, and public trust is weakened. What is required now is a principled relook at the certification process, with defined timelines, transparent evaluation, and written, reasoned justification for every suggested cut or edit,” he said.

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Haasan added that cinema lovers in Tamil Nadu and across India bring passion, discernment, and maturity to the arts and deserve openness and respect.

He emphasised that the film fraternity should now unite and “engage in a meaningful, constructive dialogue” with government institutions to protect artistic freedom.

“Such reform will safeguard creative freedom, uphold constitutional values, and strengthen India’s democratic institutions by affirming trust in its artists and its people,” said Haasan, who is also a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Directed by H Vinoth, who previously made films like ‘Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru’ and ‘Nerkonda Paarvai’, ‘Jana Nayagan’ stars Mamitha Baiju, Pooja Hegde, Priya Mani, and Bobby Deol in prominent roles.

Bankrolled by KVN Productions, the Vijay-starrer was slated for release on January 9. Reports suggest the film is loosely based on Nandamuri Balakrishna’s National Award-winning ‘Bhagavanth Kesari’ (2023), although the makers have neither confirmed nor denied this.