EntertainmentPosted at: Jan 10 2026 3:52PM


Kamal Haasan flags free speech concerns amid CBFC row, says creativity is constrained

New Delhi, Jan 10 (UNI) Coming out in support of Vijay after his film, Jana Nayagan, was postponed from its Pongal release due to not receiving certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Actor-politician Kamal Haasan raised concerns about freedom of expression and the functioning of the film certification process.
Without naming any institution or referring to a specific film, 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 art and artists in a constitutional democracy.”
He added, “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.”
Emphasising the need for transparency, Haasan warned that unclear censorship practices could stifle creativity and disrupt livelihoods across the film industry.
“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,” he added.
Calling for unity within the film fraternity, Haasan urged the industry to “unite and engage in meaningful, constructive dialogue,” stating that such reforms would “safeguard creative freedom, uphold constitutional values, and strengthen India's democratic institutions by affirming trust in its artists and its people.”
Haasan’s remarks come in the backdrop of the controversy surrounding Thalapathy 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.
Commenting on the development, Indra Dhanraj, joint coordinator of the state legal wing of TVK, told the media, “The matter was postponed, and today the order was pronounced. The writ petition has been allowed by the MHC. If the movie is not screened on time, it will be a huge loss for people, so reimbursement is being given. The lawyers informed that 27 scenes have been cut. If CBFC goes for an appeal, we will face them in court.”
Meanwhile, producer Venkat Narayana, in a video message, said the matter remains “sub judiced.” He revealed that the film had initially been cleared after incorporating a few cuts suggested by the CBFC.
“Just a few days before our planned release, we were informed that the film had been referred to the revising committee based on a complaint. With time running out and without knowing the complainant, we approached the High Court. After hearing the matter, the court directed that the certificate be issued, but CBFC challenged the decision immediately. The order to issue the certification has been stayed,” he said.
Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by Venkat K. Narayana under KVN Productions, ‘Jana Nayagan’ is being billed as Thalapathy Vijay’s last film.
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