Jana Nayagan and Parasakthi censor row: Filmmakers call out CBFC, demand reforms

The censor standoff surrounding Jana Nayagan — and the cuts imposed on Parasakthi — has sparked rare, unified pushback from filmmakers across industries. From calls for transparent timelines to outright rejection of state censorship, filmmakers are publicly questioning the role, relevance and power of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), renewing demands for reform and creative freedom.Age classification makes sense; censorship does not: Ram Gopal VarmaThe censor board was born in an era of scarcity when images were rare, access was limited, and the state controlled the media. But today, any form of a control is impossible because no one can no longer decide what people should or should not see. The same society that freely scrolls through graphic violence on social media suddenly becomes “concerned” when a filmmaker shows something in a theatre. This hypocrisy is dangerous.

If the argument is “think of the children or adults who are like children”, it takes very less intelligence to understand that they cannot be protected by blunt scissors wielded by committees. Age classification makes sense. Warnings of the content makes sense. Censorship does not.Certification process requires a principled relook: Kamal HaasanWhat is required now is a principled relook at the certification process with defined timelines for certification, transparent evaluation, and written, reasoned justification for every suggested cut or edit.

This is also a moment for our entire film industry to unite and engage in meaningful, constructive dialogue with our government institutions.Suppression of dissenting voices must be strongly condemned: Pa RanjithWhat has happened in the case of Jana Nayagan indicates that the censor board has become a misguided body. Moreover, such a deplorable trend of rigorously suppressing dissenting voices must be strongly condemned. We will raise our voices to protect creative freedom and ensure that the Central Board of Film Certification operates independently in the times to come.What the censor board has done is blatant injustice: Mari SelvarajWhat the censor board has done to Jana Nayagan is nothing short of blatant injustice.As creators, by opposing this injustice, we will have to raise a mighty voice to dispel the rapidly spreading immense fear over our democracy and our creative freedom.Censor the film, let the audience decide its fate: Hemanth M RaoIf we only protect the (speech) expression that we like, we aren’t defending a right; we’re just curating a playlist. Censor the film, give a rating and let the audience decide the fate of the film.Mainstream filmmakers chose to look the other way when FCAT was dissolved: Leena ManimekalaiWhen the FCAT was dissolved in 2021, independent filmmakers across India strongly opposed the move. Mainstream filmmakers chose to look the other way. Today, they announce release dates and then find themselves climbing court steps. It does not surprise me when business-oriented producers boast about having obtained a censor certificate. But creators must never permit state censorship.