The controversies surrounding the release of two Tamil films, Parasakthi (a historical-fictional retelling of events coinciding with the anti-Hindi agitation in Tamil Nadu in the 1960s) and Jana Nayagan (featuring actor-politician Vijay), are cases in point. Their releases have again highlighted the need for procedural reforms in India’s certification process to allow creative expression to flourish within constitutional limits rather than being subject to ad hoc restrictions. The case of Parasakthi, with its numerous cuts suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in a rushed manner to meet its release date, raises concerns about the possible suppression of historical narratives. The travails of the producers of Jana Nayagan, a high-budget film also timed for release during the Pongal festival, highlight the other peril of an ad hoc approach in the certification process. The CBFC must institute greater transparency and establish clearer timelines in its certification processes.

Source: The Hindu January 12, 2026 20:28 UTC