Jana Nayagan, Parasakthi Row: Kamal Haasan Calls for Transparent Film Certification

Actor, producer and parliamentarian Kamal Haasan has called for a comprehensive overhaul of India’s film certification process, emphasizing transparency, timeliness, and fairness. In the wake of Jana Nayagan and Parasakthi facing censor troubles, the Thug Life actor issued a detailed statement.

The Vikram star highlighted the collaborative nature of cinema, describing it as “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.” He warned that a lack of clarity in certification can stifle creativity, disrupt economic activity, and erode public trust.

The versatile actor stressed that cinema lovers in Tamil Nadu and across India bring “passion, discernment, and maturity” to the arts and deserve openness and respect. He urged a principled review of the certification system, calling for clearly defined timelines, transparent evaluation procedures, and written, reasoned justification for any suggested cuts or edits.

The actor also called for unity within the film industry and encouraged constructive engagement with government institutions, saying that such reforms would “safeguard creative freedom, uphold constitutional values, and strengthen India’s democratic institutions by affirming trust in its artists and its people.”

Jana Nayagan's legal dispute has been complex and elaborate. Parasakthi was released today (January 10) after the makers agreed to multiple cuts.