As Jana Nayagan remains stuck without CBFC clearance, Kamal Haasan has weighed in on the censorship debate. The actor called for transparency, defined timelines and constitutional accountability in film certification
Kamal Haasan
Thalapathy Vijay’s final film Jana Nayagan missed its January 9 release date after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) failed to issue a certificate. The matter is currently being heard at the Madras High Court. On January 9, a two-judge bench reserved its earlier order directing the CBFC to issue the certificate and scheduled the next hearing for January 21. The role of the CBFC and the challenges faced by filmmakers have once again come under discussion.
Kamal Haasan comments on CBFC matter
Actor Kamal Haasan took to social media on Saturday to issue a statement addressing the ongoing censorship issue. His note was titled “For Art, For Artists, For the Constitution.”
The statement began with, “India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, guided by reason, never diminished by opacity. This moment is larger than any one film; it reflects the space we accord art and artists in a constitutional democracy.”
The veteran actor further wrote, “Cinema is not the labour of an individual alone, but the collective effort of an ecosystem of writers, technicians, performers, exhibitors, and small businesses whose livelihoods depend on a fair and timely process.”
For Art, For Artists, For the Constitution pic.twitter.com/sOrlOOLFtv
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) January 10, 2026
Kamal Haasan asks for 'defined timeline, transparency'
Haasan stressed the urgent need for defined timelines in the certification process. “When clarity is absent, creativity is constrained, economic activity is disrupted, and public trust is weakened. Tamil Nadu and India’s cinema lovers bring passion, discernment and maturity to the arts; they deserve openness and respect. What is required now is a principled relook at certification processes with defined timelines, transparent evaluation, and written, reasoned justification for every suggested cut or edit.”
He also emphasised the need for unity within the film industry and constructive dialogue with governing institutions. “This is also a moment for the entire film industry to unite and engage in meaningful, constructive dialogue with our government institutions. Such reforms will safeguard creative freedom, uphold constitutional values, and strengthen India’s democratic institutions by affirming trust in its artists and its people,” Haasan concluded his note.
Meanwhile, the fate of Jana Nayagan's release will be heard by the Madras HC on January 21. Until then, the Tamil film cannot be released in theatres.
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