Amid Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan censor row, Kamal Haasan bats for ‘certification process with defined timelines’

Kamal Haasan calls for transparency in film certification, stressing freedom of expression, fair timelines and constructive dialogue between the film industry and authorities

Jana Nayagan; Kamal Haasan on censor certification

Amid the Jana Nayagan censor row, actor and politician Kamal Haasan has spoken about the certification process and issued a statement on the same. Without mentioning Jana Nayagan, Kamal Haasan's words addressed the certification process and how the film industry should have a 'constructive dialogue" with the government institutions.

What did Kamal Haasan say about censor certification?

The recent issue that created waves in Tamil cinema is the certification process, and how Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan has been delayed by the CBFC board, and yet to get a determined result over it, while Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi received its censor only a day before its release.

Amid these events, actor and politician Kamal Haasan issued a statement that addressed the certification process. Rallying for art, artists and Constitution, Kamal Haasan wrote, "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."

Also read: Jana Nayagan censor certificate issue: Why Vijay-Bobby Deol film is facing last-minute delay? Explained

Calling 'cinema is not the labour of an individual alone but the collective effort of an ecosystem' that consists of writers, technicians, performers, exhibitors, and small businesses, Kamal Haasan said that it is dependent on the 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 added.

Kamal Haasan said that the requirement is 'principled relook' at the certification processes, he stresses for defined timelines, transparent evaluation, and written, reasoned justification for every cut or edit suggested.

Also read: Jana Nayagan postponed: After Vaa Vaathiyaar, LIK, Vijay’s film fails to release on time; delays since December haunt Tamil cinema

What happened with Jana Nayagan?

Jana Nayagan makers had not received the censor certificate even as they had submitted the film for review on December 19. After some back and forth, the makers had approached Madras High Court which ordered CBFC to grant U/A. However, an appeal from the revising committee in front of Chief Justice stayed the HC orders, with next hearing on January 21.

Jana Nayagan FAQs

Q. How much Vijay got paid for Jana Nayagan?

A. Vijay reportedly got paid Rs 275 crore for his upcoming movie Jana Nayagan.

Q. What is Jana Nayagan release date?

A. Jana Nayagan has been postponed from January 9, with new release date yet to be announced by the makers.

Q. What is Vijay 69th movie name?

A. Jana Nayagan is the title of Vijay's 69th film.

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