Kamal Haasan demands 'principled relook' at film certification process
Chennai (PTI): Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Saturday called for a revamp of the country’s film certification system, citing the need for greater transparency and accountability.
His remarks come amid a critical moment for the Tamil film industry, following the stalled release of Vijay’s upcoming film 'Jana Nayagan'.
In a statement, Haasan said, "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 to art and artists in a constitutional democracy."
He underlined that cinema is not the labour of an individual alone but a collective effort involving writers, technicians, performers, exhibitors, and small businesses whose livelihoods depend on a fair and timely certification process.
"When clarity is absent, creativity is constrained, economic activity is disrupted, and public trust is weakened. What is required now is a principled relook at the certification process, with defined timelines, transparent evaluation, and written, reasoned justification for every suggested cut or edit," he said.
ALSO READ: TVK chief Vijay starrer ''Jana Nayagan'' release postponed, says production house
Haasan added that cinema lovers in Tamil Nadu and across India bring passion, discernment, and maturity to the arts and deserve openness and respect.
He emphasised that the film fraternity should now unite and "engage in a meaningful, constructive dialogue" with government institutions to protect artistic freedom.
"Such reform will safeguard creative freedom, uphold constitutional values, and strengthen India’s democratic institutions by affirming trust in its artists and its people," said Haasan, who is also a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Directed by H Vinoth, who previously made films like 'Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru' and 'Nerkonda Paarvai', 'Jana Nayagan' stars Mamitha Baiju, Pooja Hegde, Priya Mani, and Bobby Deol in prominent roles.
Bankrolled by KVN Productions, the Vijay-starrer was slated for release on January 9. Reports suggest the film is loosely based on Nandamuri Balakrishna’s National Award-winning 'Bhagavanth Kesari' (2023), although the makers have neither confirmed nor denied this.
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Lost a good friend; void cannot be filled: Fadnavis mourns Ajit Pawar’s passing
Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday described Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in a plane crash as unbelievable, and said he had lost a good friend.
Fadnavis said “today” (January 28) will be a government holiday and there will be a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect to Pawar.
Ajit Pawar’s death has left a void that will never be filled, he said. “After working closely together, it is unbelievable that he is no more,” Fadnavis said.
Talking to reporters, Fadnavis described Pawar as a people’s leader who knew the state well and had a deep understanding of the issues in Maharashtra. He said it takes several years to build and establish such leadership.
Fadnavis said he had apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the tragedy. The CM said he had also spoken with Ajit Pawar’s cousin Supriya Sule and his son Parth Pawar.
“Both (Deputy CM) Eknath Shinde and I are leaving for Baramati now. Once their entire family gathers in Baramati, we will share further details,” he said.
The entire state stands by Pawar’s family and his party NCP in this hour of grief, he added.
Ajit Pawar, 66, and four other persons were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Wednesday morning, officials said. The incident occurred when the plane carrying Pawar and others landed near Baramati, they said.
Several state BJP leaders, including Ashish Shelar, Ravindra Chavan and Chandrashekhar Bawankule, expressed deep grief over Pawar’s passing.
“This heart-wrenching incident has left the mind numb. Maharashtra has lost an experienced, dutiful and resolute leader,” state minister Shelar said.
Pawar left a distinct imprint on the state’s politics through his strong grip over administration, decisiveness and relentless drive for Maharashtra’s all-round progress. “Firmness, discipline, punctuality and tireless dedication were defining aspects of his personality,” he said.
BJP state president Ravindra Chavan said Maharashtra’s politics was unimaginable without Pawar. He said Pawar was known as a dynamic leader with a powerful command over administration and an unwavering focus on the state’s comprehensive development.
He said Pawar held the record for serving the longest tenure as deputy CM in the state’s history and left an indelible mark while handling key portfolios such as irrigation, energy and finance. “With his passing, Maharashtra has lost a firm, disciplined, punctual and indefatigable leader. This void can never be filled,” Chavan said.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule described Pawar as a senior friend and guide. “Even now, it is difficult to accept that this tragedy has really happened,” he said. Pawar would be remembered as a true people’s leader who gave clear direction and unstoppable momentum to Maharashtra’s all-round development, Bawankule said.
Recalling Pawar’s immense administrative experience, Bawankule said he had personally sought the NCP leader’s advice on several occasions.
“The loss of Ajitdada is not merely the departure of one leader; it is a profound loss for Maharashtra itself. The nation has lost a visionary statesman, and I have lost a dear elder friend and guide,” Bawankule said, adding that the reality of Pawar no longer being among them felt impossible to accept.
VIDEO | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expresses grief over the demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in an aircraft crash. He says, “This morning, a very tragic incident occurred. In extremely unforeseen circumstances, the news of the unfortunate demise of our state’s deputy chief… pic.twitter.com/sKIKJ5FvRW
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026
