Amid the ongoing row surrounding Jana Nayagan, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has informed the Lok Sabha that the average time taken for film certification has been reduced to 18 days. The update comes even as Thalapathy Vijay’s farewell film Jana Nayagan has remained stuck with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for nearly a month, with no decision yet on its certification.
Censor certification time reduced
During a Lok Sabha session, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan was responding to a question raised by MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. He stated that the CBFC now takes an average of 18 days to certify feature films, a significant reduction from the prescribed limit of 48 working days. He attributed this improvement to the implementation of the Online Certification System. Notably, short films are now being certified within just three days.
The Ministry also shared data on films challenged before the Revising Committee (RC) and the High Court (HC). According to the MIB, as many as 55 films were referred to the Revising Committee in 2025.
The CBFC functions under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. As per Rule 37, the prescribed time limit for film certification is 48 working days. However, with the introduction of the Online Certification System, the current average certification timeline stands at 18 working days for feature films and three working days for short films.
The Ministry further clarified that the time taken to dispose of cases by the Revising Committee remains within the timeframe specified under Rule 37(7) of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The existing framework under the Cinematograph Act and Rules also provides a multi-level grievance redressal mechanism, allowing applicants to appeal certification decisions before a Revising Committee.
Jana Nayagan row
Meanwhile, Thalapathy Vijay`s Jana Nayagan was supposed to be released in theatres on January 9. However, the release is in limbo with the censor board not proceeding with the certification. The film was sent to the Revision committee by the Regional Censor Board. The makers on the other hand approached Madras High Court to grant immediate certification. The case went on, and the makers missed the release date. The makers also went to the Supreme Court. However, the apex court refused to entertain the matter
