South Indian Cinema Faces Major Controversies in Early 2026
Art should make people think. It should reflect society and start important conversations. South Indian films have always done this well. But 2026 began with controversies that spread like wildfire across the region.
Some discussions moved from movie screens to courtrooms. Others sparked heated debates about political history. Films like 'Jana Nayagan', 'Parasakthi', and 'Toxic' raised big questions about creative freedom, political interests, and cultural values. Here is a detailed look at the major storms that recently shook South Indian cinema.
'Jana Nayagan' Faces Censorship Battle
The Vijay-starrer 'Jana Nayagan' was supposed to release on January 9 for the Pongal festivities. This film marks Vijay's final silver screen appearance before he focuses fully on politics with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. However, producers postponed the film indefinitely due to a censorship row.
It all started on December 18. Makers submitted the film to the Central Board of Film Certification for certification. After the first screening, the board suggested 27 cuts. The makers agreed to these cuts.
But during resubmission, a member of the examining committee filed an internal complaint. This person alleged that certain contents hurt religious sentiments. They also claimed the film contained objectionable portrayal of the armed forces.
With the release date approaching and tickets already selling through pre-booking, the makers approached the Madras High Court on January 6. They sought immediate issuance of the censor certificate.
A day later, on January 7, producers announced the postponement of 'Jana Nayagan'. They cited 'unavoidable circumstances' beyond their control.
On January 9, the Madras High Court directed the CBFC to grant a U/A certificate to the film. However, hours later, following an appeal, a two-judge Bench of the same court stayed the Single Judge's order to issue a U/A 16+ certificate.
The makers then approached the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court's division bench order. They faced disappointment there too.
On January 15, the Supreme Court refused to entertain the plea filed by the producer. The court noted that the Madras High Court's Division Bench will hear the matter on January 20.
'Parasakthi' Draws Criticism for Historical Distortion
The Sivakarthikeyan-starrer 'Parasakthi', directed by Sudha Kongara, has stirred controversy of a different kind. The film borrows its title from the legendary 1952 Sivaji Ganesan film that popularised DMK ideology.
This new film revolves around the 1965 anti-Hindi agitations. These events hold huge significance in Tamil Nadu's political history.
Soon after its release, the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress demanded a ban. They alleged that the film distorts historical facts. They also claimed the film shows the Congress Party and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in a poor light.
Though the makers claimed the sequences are purely fictional, certain scenes angered critics. A burning train incident and a Congress flag burning particularly irked them. The climax scene, which showed real-life photographs of political leaders including Indira Gandhi, led to further backlash.
"Parasakthi is not just creative fiction. It uses real leaders, real events, and real visuals. When history is distorted in this manner, it directly defames the Congress," said Arun Bhaskar, Senior Vice President of the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress.
According to Bhaskar, in the film, Sivakarthikeyan's character meets Indira Gandhi to oppose Hindi imposition. Scenes that follow portray her in a bad light.
"Indira Gandhi never visited Coimbatore on February 12. This meeting did not happen at all. She was not in Coimbatore on that day," he emphasized.
The film received 25 censor cuts before its release on January 10.
'Toxic' Teaser Sparks Cultural Sensibilities Debate
Yash's most anticipated film, 'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown Ups', is gearing up for release. Makers launched a teaser on January 8 to coincide with the lead actor's birthday.
The teaser initially received praise but quickly drew criticism for its sexist portrayal of the female protagonist. The film features Yash's character engaged in intimacy with Brazilian actress Beatriz Taufenbach outside a cemetery, eventually blowing it up.
This scene did not sit well with some viewers and led to significant backlash. Audiences in Kerala called out director Geetu Mohandas for the risqué scenes. They noted she had previously fueled the 'Kasaba' controversy in 2016.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party's women's wing in Karnataka filed a complaint citing "obscene and explicit content."
Geetu Mohandas posted an Instagram story hinting at where to draw a line between female pleasure and consent. However, that alone did not save the film from controversy.
The AAP women's wing argued that the teaser was unsuitable for public viewing without an age restriction. They added that such scenes can cause "serious harm to the social well-being of women and children" and they "degrade the dignity of women and insult Kannada culture."
Later, social activist Dinesh Kallahalli filed a second complaint. He cited that the teaser violated public decency and morality. He also claimed it exposed minors and young viewers to legally impermissible content.
Films, like all art forms, are meant to spark conversations. But what kind of conversations should they spark? Only time will tell.
