Kamal Haasan says use 'certification' not 'censorship' for films from March 21

Veteran actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan has called on the media to cease employing the term 'censorship' when discussing film regulation, advocating instead for a focus on 'certification.' This stance emerges amidst a wave of controversy surrounding recent film releases, including delays and scrutiny of Vijay's Jana Nayagan, which faced challenges with its certification process due to political and legal issues.

Haasan's core argument centers on the semantic distinction between 'censorship' and 'certification,' asserting that the former carries negative connotations antithetical to democratic principles and artistic freedom. He suggests the media's continued use of 'censor board' perpetuates a misunderstanding of the system's intended function.

Media's Role Under Scrutiny

Haasan's remarks, published across various outlets on March 21st and 22nd, 2026, highlight a perceived reluctance by the media to adopt the terminology that acknowledges the evolution from outright censorship to a certification framework. This shift, he implies, was the result of extensive dialogues between the film industry and the government.

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• The actor points to the example of Jana Nayagan, a film that experienced significant delays and was sent to a revising committee.

• Concerns raised about Jana Nayagan included alleged violations of religious sentiments and the unauthorized use of armed forces' logos.

• Haasan's critique appears to be a broader commentary on the regulatory landscape, referencing past challenges faced by films such as Parasakthi.

The Nuance of 'Certification'

The debate, as framed by Haasan and reflected in media coverage, questions whether the shift to 'certification' has genuinely improved creative freedom or merely altered the language used to describe pre-release assessments.

• Haasan’s preference for 'certification' suggests a system that evaluates rather than prohibits.

• His call implies a desire for clearer rules and a less ideologically or politically charged process.

• The media's adherence to the term 'censor board' may be seen as either an oversight or a deliberate choice to invoke a more critical framing.

Background and Context

Kamal Haasan's recent statements are not isolated incidents but part of a long-standing engagement with issues surrounding artistic expression and state regulation in India. His public commentary, often articulated through social media and interviews, consistently advocates for a more liberal approach to filmmaking. The specific context of Jana Nayagan, which has been flagged by the Election Commission of India for review, serves as a recent focal point for these discussions.