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Karunanidhi Biopic 'Jana Nayagan' Faces Censorship Controversy

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. c-jana-nayagan-faces-censorship-controversy.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 4:53 GMT by ThePrint
      Locales: Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, INDIA

Chennai, Tamil Nadu - January 9, 2026 - A biographical film on the life of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, titled 'Jana Nayagan,' is at the center of a growing controversy, with allegations of political interference in its censorship process. The film's clearance has been delayed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), prompting accusations from the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) that the delay is deliberate and motivated by political pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The dispute began following a complaint filed by K. Annamalai, the BJP's state president, alleging that 'Jana Nayagan' presents a biased portrayal of Karunanidhi, positively highlighting his legacy while casting other political figures, including the late J. Jayalalithaa and the BJP itself, in a negative light. K. Selvaperuntagaphan, the president of the TNCC, has formally written to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, outlining these concerns and requesting intervention.

According to Selvaperuntagaphan's letter, the CBFC initially requested revisions to certain scenes, which the film producers have since addressed. However, despite the revisions, final clearance remains pending, leading to suspicions that the board is intentionally stalling the film's release. This delay, the TNCC argues, is a clear attempt to suppress a narrative that celebrates Karunanidhi's contributions to Tamil Nadu and his significant political influence.

P. Manivannan, president of the Tamizhaga Vaaithaigal Kazhagam (TVK), a vocal supporter of the film, echoed these concerns. He stated that any further appeals from the CBFC would definitively confirm political interference. "The film has already undergone revisions as requested. To appeal again would unequivocally demonstrate they are operating under external political pressure," Manivannan explained to reporters.

The core of the contention lies in the portrayal of historical and political figures. The BJP, according to Manivannan, fears Karunanidhi's enduring legacy and seeks to diminish his impact on public memory. Karunanidhi, a dominant figure in Tamil Nadu politics for decades, was a five-time Chief Minister and a leader of the Dravidian movement, which championed social justice and regional autonomy. His political philosophy and policies continue to resonate with a large segment of the Tamil Nadu electorate.

This incident has ignited a broader debate about censorship and freedom of expression in India, particularly concerning biopics and films that delve into politically sensitive subjects. Critics argue that the CBFC's actions in this case set a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing political parties to stifle artistic expression and manipulate the narrative surrounding historical figures. The question of whether the CBFC should be considering the political implications of a film's portrayal, versus simply ensuring it adheres to guidelines regarding obscenity, violence, and national security, is being widely discussed.

The controversy also comes at a time of heightened political activity in Tamil Nadu, with the state gearing up for upcoming elections. The Karunanidhi family's political party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), remains a major force in state politics, and a film celebrating his life is likely to galvanize its supporters. The BJP, seeking to expand its footprint in the southern state, views the film as a potential obstacle to its electoral ambitions.

Several legal experts suggest that the CBFC's actions could be challenged in court if it continues to delay clearance without providing substantive reasons. The grounds for such a challenge would likely center on the principles of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Observers are keenly watching to see if the film's producers will pursue legal recourse. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the future of political biopics in India and the balance between artistic freedom and political considerations within the film industry.