The Tamil film industry is currently witnessing a significant clash between creative expression and regulatory oversight. Two major upcoming films, 'Jana Nayagan' starring Vijay and 'Parasakthi' featuring Sivakarthikeyan, have simultaneously encountered obstacles with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), sending shockwaves through the entertainment circuit.
Stars Speak Out on Certification Challenges
Amid the brewing controversy, actor Sivakarthikeyan has publicly addressed the certification process for his film, 'Parasakthi'. While promoting the movie, he refrained from commenting on the issues surrounding Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' as the matter is sub judice. However, he opened up about his own experience, revealing that the censor board imposed cuts in scenes where he least anticipated them.
"It all depends on individual views of the jury who are going to watch the film," Sivakarthikeyan stated, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the process. To avoid last-minute complications, he strongly advocated for a procedural change, emphasizing that producers should submit films for certification at least two months in advance of their planned release.
'Parasakthi': A Film Under Heightened Scrutiny
The censor board's rigorous examination of 'Parasakthi' comes as no surprise given its sensitive subject matter. Directed by Sudha Kongara, the film is set against the backdrop of the anti-Hindi imposition riots in Tamil Nadu during the 1960s. Featuring a cast that includes Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa, and Sreeleela, its trailer had already ignited widespread discussion on social media for its potent dialogues on language and identity.
This politically charged narrative inevitably led to strict certification hurdles. The board has granted the film a U/A 16+ certificate but only after mandating 25 cuts. These deferments have also impacted its scheduled international release.
Core Message Remains Unscathed, Says Team
Despite the significant edits, Sivakarthikeyan assures audiences that the film's soul remains intact. "We have ensured that the cuts do not affect the plot. The core emotion of this film exists within everyone," he explained. He believes the theme of language and identity is so deeply felt that it doesn't require excessive dialogue to be understood.
Clarifying the film's intent, the actor described 'Parasakthi' as a student protest film that does not endorse any specific student group or political party. The creative team is confident that, even with the modifications, the movie will powerfully resonate with viewers and successfully convey its central emotion.
The parallel censor challenges faced by these two high-profile projects have sparked a fresh debate on certification norms and the delicate balance filmmakers must strike when tackling socio-political themes in Indian cinema.
