The controversy over the long censor process is still a matter of debate even though Thalapathy Vijay starrer ‘Jana Nayagan’ has hit the screens with a ‘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 directed at the CBFC was based on misunderstandings and stressed that the prolonged certification process was largely the result of legal proceedings and election-related regulations, rather than any deliberate attempt to hold back the film.

Ganesh Babu says court case delayed the certification process

Speaking to Cinema Express, Ganesh Babu said, “The film was first viewed by the examining committee, which recommended a Revising Committee. Instead of applying for that immediately, the makers approached the court. Once the case reached the court, the process naturally took time because CBFC officials also had to respond. No one in the CBFC wanted to delay the film.” He added that he was part of one of the committees that viewed ‘Jana Nayagan,’ but clarified that he was not on the final panel that granted the film its certificate. Because of that, he said he could not comment on whether the final ‘A’ certificate was the right decision.

Election announcement added another hurdle

Ganesh Babu also explained that the announcement of elections 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 the election rules while certifying such a film. If the makers had withdrawn the court case earlier and approached the Revising Committee, there was enough time to complete the process before the election announcement,” he said. According to him, the delay was caused by circumstances and legal procedures, not by any unwillingness on the part of the CBFC to issue a certificate.

Former CBFC member dismisses rumours surrounding the process

Responding to speculation surrounding the certification process, Ganesh Babu said, “Every citizen has the right to approach the court. I’m not saying that decision was wrong. But court proceedings take time because judges have to examine every aspect of the case. If the Revising Committee route had been chosen earlier, there was a 100 per cent possibility that ‘Jana Nayagan’ could have received its certificate before Pongal.” He also dismissed rumours about leaks during CBFC screenings, saying the process is highly secure and follows strict protocols, making unauthorised access to the film extremely difficult.