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.
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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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Have sanctioned 1,000 buses for next fiscal, says K'taka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday said the government has sanctioned procurement of 1,000 government buses in the next year’s budget.
According to him, in the current fiscal, 2,000 buses were sanctioned and many of them have already arrived.
Speaking in the Legislative Council, he alleged that the previous BJP government neither bought a single bus nor recruitment was done in the state transport department.
He was replying to BJP MLC Y M Satish’s request for buses for Ballari and Vijayanagara districts.
“From 2019 to 2023, not a single bus was purchased in the four corporations. Not even one bus. If buses are not purchased continuously for four years, what will happen to the organisation?” Reddy asked.
He recalled that the last time buses were procured and recruitments took place were in 2016, when he was the transport minister during the previous Congress government from 2013 to 2018.
“After we came to power (from 2013), we procured 6,080 new buses. Then last year, 2,000 buses were provided, and many of them have already arrived. This year too, 1,000 buses have been sanctioned in the budget,” Reddy told the House.
He noted that 9,000 people were recruited and 1,300 people were appointed on compassionate grounds during the Congress tenure.
The Minister added that around 2,000 to 2,500 buses have been refurbished.
“In total, 6,080 buses came in two years. Last year’s 2,000 buses, and now 1,000 more. Altogether, we have about 26,000 buses. Out of these, nearly one-third have been added in the last two-and-a-half years,” Reddy said.
Satish told the Minister that at least 100 red buses and about 20 Volvo buses are required for Ballari and Vijayanagara districts.
In response, Reddy said in 2022-23, 720 buses were given, and in 2024–25, 307 buses; in 2026, 140 buses—totalling 1,173 new buses were given to Kalyana Karnataka region.
There are around 4,000-odd buses in Kalyana Karnataka region, he said adding that another 400 buses have been tendered and funds have to be released.
“Additionally, 56 high-end buses—sleeper AC, non-sleeper AC, and Volvo buses—are also coming. Now, 400 buses are coming. Priority will be given to Ballari and Vijayanagara districts,” Reddy said.
