The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a government body in India that reviews movies. It decides if a film is suitable for the public and gives it a rating (like U, U/A, or A). Without a certificate from the CBFC, a movie cannot be legally shown in theaters.

The 1965 anti-Hindi agitation was a major protest in Tamil Nadu against making Hindi the only official language of India. It shaped the state’s politics for decades. Actor Vijay, a huge star, launched his political party ‘Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’ (TVK) in 2024, making his films a subject of intense political scrutiny.

The Indian Constitution gives every citizen the right to ‘Freedom of Speech and Expression’ under Article 19(1)(a). However, the government can put ‘reasonable restrictions’ on this right if a film affects things like national security, public order, or decency. The debate is often about whether the CBFC’s cuts are ‘reasonable’ or ‘arbitrary’.

The 2026 film ‘Parasakthi’ faced significant hurdles when the CBFC reportedly ordered over 20 cuts. Many of these cuts were for scenes showing the 1965 anti-Hindi protests in Tamil Nadu. Critics argue that by removing these scenes, the government is trying to soften or hide a sensitive part of history.

The Cinematograph Act is the main law that controls movies in India. It says that a film should not be certified if it goes against the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency, or involves defamation or contempt of court.

Federalism in India means the Union (Central) and State governments have their own powers. The anti-Hindi agitation was a major event where Tamil Nadu fought for its linguistic rights against the Center. By cutting scenes about this, the CBFC is seen as interfering with a state’s political history and the concept of federalism.

In India, major festivals like Pongal or Diwali are the most profitable times for movie releases. If the CBFC suggests cuts just a few days before such a date, filmmakers are often forced to accept them quickly to avoid massive financial losses. This ‘duress’ prevents them from properly appealing or negotiating the cuts.

Pongal is the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu and one of the biggest holidays for the film industry. Releasing a movie during this time ensures a huge audience and high profits. For a ‘high-budget’ film like Jana Nayagan, missing this release window can lead to massive financial losses for producers and distributors.

The CBFC has different levels of review. First, an ‘Examining Committee’ (EC) watches the film. If the filmmaker is unhappy with their decision, or if the CBFC Chairman feels a second look is needed, it goes to a ‘Revising Committee’ (RC). The RC is a larger group that can overrule the EC’s decision.

The 2024 rules were introduced to update the old 1983 rules. They give the CBFC Chairperson the power to ‘suo motu’ (on their own) refer a film to a Revising Committee. While this is meant to ensure better oversight, the editorial argues that using this power at the ‘last minute’ is unfair to the film industry.

In the High Court, a case is often first heard by a ‘Single Judge’. If one side is unhappy with the decision, they can appeal to a ‘Division Bench’ (two or more judges) of the same court. In this case, the Division Bench felt the CBFC needed more time to present its legal arguments, even if it meant delaying the movie.

Kamal Haasan is a legendary Indian actor and filmmaker who has often fought against censorship. His own film ‘Vishwaroopam’ faced a ban in Tamil Nadu in 2013 despite being certified by the CBFC. He has consistently called for the CBFC to act only as a certification body and not as a ‘censor’ that cuts scenes.