Amidst the delay of Vijay's highly anticipated film, "Jana Nayagan," director Ram Gopal Varma has launched a scathing critique against India's censor board, labeling it as "outdated" and questioning its relevance in the modern media landscape. Varma's comments come in the wake of the Madras High Court's stay on the film's release, further intensifying the debate surrounding censorship and creative freedom in the Indian film industry.
"Jana Nayagan," a political thriller starring Vijay, was initially slated for release on January 9, 2026. However, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) decided to re-examine the film following a complaint, leading to the postponement of its release. A single-judge bench had initially directed the CBFC to issue a U/A certificate to the film, but this order was subsequently stayed by another bench of the Madras High Court, casting uncertainty over the film's release. The court questioned how a release date was set before certification was granted, and stated that the CBFC should have been given an opportunity to oppose the film's release. The next hearing is scheduled for January 21, 2026, after the Pongal holidays.
Varma took to social media platform X to express his views, stating that the censor board has "long outlived its purpose" and that it is "truly foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today". He argued that censorship doesn't prevent exposure but "only insults the viewers," suggesting that age ratings and warnings are sufficient. He feels that audiences should be trusted to decide what they want to watch. Varma clarified that his remarks weren't solely about "Jana Nayagan," but a broader criticism of India's censorship model. He believes the film industry is primarily responsible for the continued existence of the board due to a reluctance to debate its relevance.
Varma further condemned the CBFC for believing that "cutting a word in a film, trimming a shot, or blurring a cigarette will protect society". He argued that the idea of safeguarding society by censoring words is absurd. He emphasized that authorities must trust citizens to decide what they want to watch.
The controversy surrounding "Jana Nayagan" isn't an isolated incident. The film industry has long debated the role and relevance of the censor board, especially in the age of digital media and streaming platforms. Varma pointed out that the censor board was established in an era when images were scarce, access was limited, and the state controlled the media. He argues that such control is impossible today. Previously, the film was screened for an examining committee of five members on December 19, 2025. The committee recommended 27 cuts before granting a U/A certificate. Similarly, the Censor Board has also recommended more than 20 cuts for Sivakarthikeyan and Sreeleela's "Parasakthi". Varma's outspoken criticism has reignited the debate about censorship and the need for a more contemporary and relevant approach to film certification in India.
