Pawan Kalyan Speaks Out on Jana Nayagan Censorship Row
Prominent actor and politician Pawan Kalyan has publicly addressed the ongoing censorship controversy surrounding the upcoming film Jana Nayagan. In a recent interview, he firmly stated that political parties should not be held responsible for certification decisions made by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, which is anticipated to be actor Vijay's final project before he transitions into full-time politics, is currently awaiting review by the censor board. The project is expected to receive its official certification once the review process is fully completed.
Consistent Rules for All: Pawan Kalyan's Stance
Speaking exclusively to Thanthi TV, Pawan Kalyan directly confronted the brewing controversy. He argued that the censor board's regulations must remain uniform and consistent for everyone, without any bias or preferential treatment. Elaborating on his viewpoint, he remarked, "The Jana Nayagan issue was not handled well at the Censor Board level. They're blaming the political party and that's not right."
The seasoned actor further illustrated his point by referencing his own cinematic experience. "My film OG was given an 'A' certificate by the CBFC. My producers and my director said, 'You're part of a particular political party, and your film has been censored 'A'.' I asked him how he expected a 'U/A' certificate with all the violence portrayed. I told him a rule is a rule and cannot be tailor-made for those who are part of the ruling government," he explained.
According to Pawan Kalyan, the production team of his film had initially hoped for a different certification. However, the board upheld its original decision after a thorough content review. "They applied for re-censorship, hoping for a 'U/A' certificate. The CBFC still ended up giving an 'A' certificate," he added.
No Political Influence on CBFC Decisions
The actor-politician also firmly dismissed any notion that political connections could sway the board's impartial judgments. He emphasized, "Even if I used my connections to influence the CBFC, they would clearly tell me that governance and film censorship cannot be linked and that they're separate bodies."
Advice to Filmmakers: Avoid Legal Battles
Pawan Kalyan, known for his role in OG, suggested that the creators of Jana Nayagan could have managed the situation more effectively. He shared a personal anecdote from his encounters with the censor board, stating, "For one of my films, the CBFC asked me to change the lyrics for a song, and I had to do it. This happens to everybody."
He further commented on the legal approach adopted in this matter. "The makers of Jana Nayagan should not have approached the court for a solution. How can they blame the government for this issue? If they had not gone to court, it would have been a completely different story. Once it goes to the court, the outcome is in the hands of the legal system," he advised.
Upcoming Film and Tribute to Chiranjeevi
Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming film Ustaad Bhagat Singh, which is reported to be a remake of Vijay's hit movie Theri. The actor recently expressed his profound admiration for his elder brother, veteran actor Chiranjeevi, during a pre-release event held at the Yusufguda Police Grounds in Hyderabad.
In his heartfelt speech, Pawan Kalyan said, "I love cinema. Cinema fed me and gave me the identity that allowed me to serve the people. That is why I always wish well for directors, writers and producers. I have never cared about film collections. I do not see films as Telugu cinema or Tamil cinema. I only see them as Indian cinema. For me, the real hero is Chiranjeevi. I sincerely thank my elder brother for appreciating this film’s trailer and tweeting about it. I also thank Ram Charan and ‘Peddi’ director Buchi Babu."
Ustaad Bhagat Singh is scheduled to premiere in theatres on March 19, marking another significant milestone in Pawan Kalyan's illustrious career.
