'The Kashmir Files' and 'The Kerala Story' passed, so why block Vijay’s film? Mansoor Ali Khan questions CBFC over 'Jana Nayagan' case

The hopes were that the Madras High Court would rule in favor of the censor row on Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan.' The verdict that went in support of the Censor Board led to angry outbursts from stars and fans on social media. Given the time taken for the release of the film that has been caught in controversy, it appears to be a little beyond the film in question, as it has brought to the forefront bigger issues in the form of open and clear certification. The issue has also opened up a plethora of questions on how the verdict in a particular case might have affected the industry as a whole. Against this backdrop, actor Mansoor Ali Khan has come forward, raising pointed questions over the handling of the Jana Nayagan’s censor issue.

Why deny a censor to a Rs 500-crore film?

Expressing disappointment at the press meet of 'Karuppu Pulsar,' Mansoor Ali Khan slammed the lack of certification for the movie 'Jana Nayagan,' which was made with an alleged budget of 500 crore. As per Thanthi TV, he stated that the film is associated with a huge business network and feeds thousands and thousands of families, the long wait for the launch of which is very disheartening. Asking about the logic behind the move, he said that he doesn't know why a mass hero like Vijay is being targeted. According to him, when several high-profile and controversial films have been granted certification, the refusal in this case appears both selective and unjustified.

Mansoor Ali Khan jokes about the release delay

‘Jana Nayagan’ was meant to come out on Pongal on January 9 and was submitted for censorship clearance in December. Mansoor Ali Khan said that the movie was denied certification through a late complaint, and then it had to go through a lengthy court battle. He jokingly asked if the movie would be released for Bakri instead of Pongal. He had also pointed out how it is easy for movies like ‘The Kashmir Files’ and ‘The Kerala Story,’ which faced huge protests for portraying a particular religious segment, to be smoothly certified, but ‘Jana Nayagan’ is consistently facing censorship troubles.

Mansoor Ali Khan calls for an independent censor board

Calling for structural reforms, Mansoor Ali Khan said the Censor Board should function independently, without interference from the Central government. He argued that the board should comprise filmmakers, actors, producers, journalists, and individuals with a balanced understanding of cinema and public sentiment. If political control continues to dominate the certification process, he said, the very relevance of the Censor Board comes into question. His remarks have added fresh fuel to the 'Jana Nayagan' censor controversy, turning it once again into a subject of intense public and industry-wide debate.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”