‘Jana Nayagan’ Censor Row: Kamal Haasan Comes Out in Support of Thalapathy Vijay Amid CBFC Controversy, Seeks Transparent Certification Process (View Post)

Veteran actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan has voiced strong support for Thalapathy Vijay following the legal and administrative hurdles surrounding his latest film, Jana Nayagan. In a statement released on Saturday, Haasan criticised the "opacity" of the current film certification process and called for a systemic overhaul to protect creative freedom in India. ‘Jana Nayagan’ Producer Venkat K Narayana Breaks Silence on CBFC Row, Shares Video Statement and Says ‘Thalapathy Vijay Sir Deserves the Farewell’ – WATCH.

The controversy centres on Jana Nayagan, touted as Vijay’s final cinematic venture before he transitions into full-time politics. Originally scheduled for a worldwide release on January 9, 2026, the film remains in legal limbo after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) referred it to a Revising Committee at the eleventh hour, citing a late complaint regarding the portrayal of the armed forces and religious sentiments.

Kamal Haasan on ‘Jana Nayagan’ Censor Row

Kamal Haasan, a Rajya Sabha member and a long-standing advocate for artistic liberty, took to social media to express his concerns. While his statement did not name specific institutions, its timing clearly addressed the standoff between the Jana Nayagan makers and the CBFC. Haasan emphasised that the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of expression, which should be guided by reason and never diminished by opacity. He noted that the issue transcends a single film, reflecting the space accorded to art in a democracy.

According to Haasan, filmmaking sustains an entire ecosystem of workers from writers and technicians to exhibitors and small businesses whose livelihoods are disrupted when clarity is absent, and certification is delayed. To address these recurring issues, he urged the government to implement a principled relook at certification with defined timelines, transparent evaluation procedures, and written, reasoned justifications for every suggested cut or edit. He called on the film industry to unite and engage in a meaningful dialogue with the government to safeguard these constitutional values.

Kamal Haasan Urges Film Industry Unity Over ‘Jana Nayan’ Censor Row – View Post

For Art, For Artists, For the Constitution pic.twitter.com/sOrlOOLFtv

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) January 10, 2026

The Legal Standoff

The dispute escalated last week when the Madras High Court initially ordered the CBFC to grant the film a U/A 16+ certificate. Justice PT Asha, while pronouncing the order, noted that the objections raised by an examining committee member appeared to be an "afterthought" and warned that such a reversal sets a "dangerous trend." However, this order was quickly stayed by a Division Bench following an urgent appeal by the Censor Board. The board argued that it was not given sufficient time to file a counter-affidavit and that certain sensitive portions required further review.

The producers, KVN Productions, have expressed deep frustration, noting that they had already complied with an initial set of cuts suggested in December. With the court pushing the next hearing to January 21, the film has missed its highly anticipated Pongal festival release window, causing significant financial losses estimated at nearly INR 50 crore and disappointing millions of fans who had already purchased over 2 lakh advance tickets. ‘Jana Nayagan’ Censor Row: Madras High Court Directs CBFC To Issue U/A 16 Plus Certificate to Thalapathy Vijay’s Political Action Thriller Film; Board Moves Appeal.

 More About ‘Jana Nayagan’

Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan is a political actioner featuring an ensemble cast including Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol. The cast also includes Gautham Vasudev Menon, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Priyamani and Narain in pivotal roles. The movie has generated a lot of buzz despite its unexpected delay.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2026 07:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).