Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan has issued a powerful statement addressing the ongoing controversies surrounding India's film certification body, highlighting critical concerns about artistic freedom and procedural transparency. His intervention comes at a time when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is under intense scrutiny, particularly following the legal tussle involving the Thalapathy Vijay-starrer 'Jana Nayagan'.
A Constitutional Call for Artistic Freedom
In a statement shared on social media platform X on January 10, Kamal Haasan invoked the foundational principles of the Indian Constitution without directly naming any specific institution or film. He emphasized that the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, a right that should be guided by reason and not obscured by opaque processes.
"This moment is larger than any one film; it reflects the space we accord art and artists in a constitutional democracy," Haasan stated. He reminded the public and authorities that cinema is a collective enterprise, not just the work of a single individual. The ecosystem, he noted, includes writers, technicians, performers, exhibitors, and numerous small businesses whose economic survival hinges on a fair and timely certification process.
The Economic and Creative Cost of Opacity
Haasan elaborated on the cascading negative effects of an unclear and unpredictable censorship mechanism. "When clarity is absent, creativity is constrained, economic activity is disrupted, and public trust is weakened," he asserted. He praised the discernment and maturity of Tamil Nadu and India's cinema audiences, arguing that they deserve openness and respect from regulatory bodies.
To address these systemic issues, the actor-politician laid out a clear roadmap for reform. He called for a principled relook at the certification processes, advocating for three key changes:
- Defined and strict timelines for the certification of films.
- A completely transparent evaluation procedure.
- Written and reasoned justifications for every single cut or edit suggested by the board.
Haasan urged the entire film industry to unite and engage in a meaningful, constructive dialogue to achieve these reforms. He believes such changes would safeguard creative freedom, uphold constitutional values, and ultimately strengthen democratic institutions by affirming trust in artists and the public.
The Immediate Trigger: The 'Jana Nayagan' Controversy
Kamal Haasan's statement was prompted by the recent controversy surrounding the film 'Jana Nayagan', starring Thalapathy Vijay. The film's release was postponed after a last-minute referral to a CBFC revising committee based on an anonymous complaint.
The makers approached the Madras High Court, which on Friday, January 10, directed the CBFC to issue a U/A 16 certification for the film. The court's intervention came after it was revealed that the makers had already incorporated initial cuts suggested by the board, only to face a new hurdle just days before release.
Indra Dhanraj, joint coordinator for the TVK state legal wing, informed the media that the High Court allowed the writ petition, fearing huge losses if the film's screening was further delayed. She revealed that 27 scenes had been cut and indicated readiness to face the CBFC if it chose to appeal.
Producer Venkat Narayana confirmed the matter remains subjudiced. In a video message, he explained that after initially clearing the film with cuts, the CBFC referred it to a revising committee based on a complaint. With time running out and the complainant's identity unknown, the production house was forced to seek judicial remedy. Although the court directed certification, the CBFC immediately challenged the decision, leading to a stay on the order.
Directed by H. Vinoth and produced under KVN Productions, 'Jana Nayagan' is notably dubbed as Thalapathy Vijay's final film, adding to the high stakes of its release. This incident has become a flashpoint in the long-standing debate about censorship, creative liberty, and the need for a reformed, accountable system in Indian cinema, as highlighted by Kamal Haasan's timely intervention.
