The controversy over the long censorship process is still a matter of debate Thalapathy Vijay Starrer ‘Jana Nayagan’ has hit the screens with an ‘A’ certificate. Filmmaker and former CBFC advisory panel member EV Ganesh Babu has now shared his perspective on what led to the delay. He said much of the criticism leveled at the CBFC was based on misunderstandings and stressed that the protracted certification process was largely the result of election-related legal procedures and regulations, rather than any deliberate attempt to slow down the film.
Ganesh Babu says the court case delayed the certification process
Speaking to Cinema Express, Ganesh Babu said, “The film was first seen by the screening committee, which recommended a review committee. Instead of applying immediately, those responsible approached the court. Once the case reached the court, the process naturally took some time because the CBFC officials also had to respond. No one at the CBFC wanted to delay the film.” He added that he was part of one of the committees that saw ‘Jana Nayagan’, but clarified that he was not part of the final panel that gave the certificate to the film. Because of this, he said he could not comment on whether the final ‘A’ certificate was the right decision.
The election announcement added another hurdle
Ganesh Babu also explained that the election announcement created another hurdle for the film. “Since the film had political content, the Model Code of Conduct came into effect. The officers could not ignore election rules while certifying such a film. If the producers had withdrawn the case earlier and approached the Review Committee, there was enough time to complete the process before the election was announced,” he said. According to him, the delay was caused by legal circumstances and formalities, not by unwillingness on the part of the CBFC to issue a certificate.
Former CBFC member dismisses rumors about the process
Responding to speculations about the certification process, Ganesh Babu said, “Every citizen has the right to approach the court. I am not saying that this decision is wrong. But court proceedings take time because judges have to examine all aspects of the case. If the Review Committee route had been chosen earlier, there was a 100% chance that ‘Jana Nayagan’ would have received its certificate earlier.He also rubbished rumors of leaks during CBFC screenings, saying the process is very secure and follows strict protocols, making unauthorized access to the film very difficult.