After actor Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan, was postponed from its January 9 release for failing to receive CBFC certification following allegations that it hurt religious sentiments, several film personalities have voiced their support.

Taking to X, actor-politician Kamal Haasan wrote, “India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, guided by reason, never diminished by opacity. This moment is larger than any one film… when clarity is absent, creativity is constrained, economic activity is disrupted, and public trust is weakened. Tamil Nadu and India’s cinema lovers bring passion, discernment, and maturity to the arts; they deserve openness and respect.”

Meanwhile, director Ram Gopal Varma posted on X, “It’s truly foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today. It has long outlived it’s purpose, but it’s being kept alive out of laziness to debate it’s relevance now, and it is the film industry as a whole which is mainly responsible for this.”

He added, “Everything is available on the internet instantly, anonymously, and without a gatekeeper… And in this reality, for the honourable censor board to believe that cutting a word in a film, trimming a shot, or blurring a cigarette will ‘protect society’ is a joke.” HTC

In his first statement since the legal tussle with the CBFC at the Madras HC, producer Venkat K Narayana described the situation as “extremely difficult.”

In a video statement, he said, “On 5 January, we were informed that the film had been referred to the revising committee. With time running out to approach the revising committee, we approached the Honourable HC.”

With the fate of Jana Nayagan’s release now hanging in limbo, especially amid the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections, Venkat said the process has been both challenging and emotional. He added, ”Above all, we firmly believe that Thalapathy Vijay sir deserves the farewell he has earned through decades of love from his fan.”