Did ‘Coolie’ Producers Voluntarily Accept an ‘A’ Certificate for Their Film?
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Synopsis
Discover the latest controversy surrounding Rajinikanth's film 'Coolie' as the producers choose an 'A' certificate over necessary cuts. This decision restricts access for younger viewers, igniting debates about censorship and audience reach. Is this a fair move or an unjust limitation on fan access?
Key Takeaways
- The producers of 'Coolie' accepted an 'A' certificate.
- This decision restricts viewers under 18 from watching the film.
- The film celebrates Rajinikanth’s 50 years in cinema.
- Release was on August 14, with the appeal filed a week later.
- The film features a pan-India cast, including major stars.
Chennai, Aug 20 (NationPress) The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) disclosed to the Madras High Court on Wednesday that Sun TV Network Limited had voluntarily accepted an ‘A’ certificate for Rajinikanth’s latest film Coolie, after they declined to implement the additional cuts necessary for a U/A certification.
The decision effectively prevents viewers under 18 years from watching the movie in theaters. During the proceedings before Justice T.V. Thamilselvi, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) A.R.L. Sundaresan indicated that the production company had been explicitly informed that further edits were required to obtain a U/A certificate.
“They provided an endorsement indicating they did not want any cuts and chose the ‘A’ certificate. Having made this choice, they cannot take a different stance now,” he stated in court.
These arguments were presented during the hearing of a civil miscellaneous appeal filed by the production company which sought to annul the CBFC’s proceedings from August 4 and to request a U/A certificate.
The ASG contended that there was no immediate need for the plea as the film had already been released on August 14. He emphasized that the appeal was submitted only on Tuesday, a week post-release, and mentioned that there were no exceptional circumstances necessitating an expedited hearing.
He requested a deadline until August 25 for the CBFC to submit a counter-affidavit. Outlining the timeline, Sundaresan noted that the producers applied for certification on July 28 and received an ‘A’ certificate on August 4.
Ten days later, they proceeded with the release and only after a week did they approach the High Court requesting U/A classification.
“They cannot request an urgent hearing after such a delay,” he argued.
After weighing the arguments, Justice Thamilselvi stated she would allow adequate time for the CBFC to file its counter-affidavit, acknowledging that nearly a week had already elapsed since the film’s release.
In their appeal, the production company mentioned that Coolie was created to celebrate superstar Rajinikanth’s 50 years in cinema.
The film, featuring a diverse cast including Nagarjuna Akkineni and Aamir Khan, has been labeled a “mega blockbuster,” according to their claims.
However, they argued that Rajinikanth’s vast fanbase, which encompasses all age groups, is being unfairly restricted from accessing the film due to the ‘A’ certification.
Point of View
The ongoing debate surrounding the 'A' certification for Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' reflects a broader conversation about film censorship and audience accessibility. While the producers have the right to preserve their artistic vision, the impact on Rajinikanth's widespread fanbase cannot be ignored. It’s crucial to balance creative integrity with public access, especially for a film celebrating a significant milestone in the actor's career.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an 'A' certificate mean?
An 'A' certificate signifies that the film is restricted to adult audiences only, effectively barring viewers under 18 from watching it.
Why did the producers refuse to make cuts?
The producers opted not to make the additional cuts suggested by the CBFC, deciding instead to accept the 'A' certification.
When was 'Coolie' released?
'Coolie' was released on August 14.
Who are some notable cast members of 'Coolie'?
The film features a star-studded cast including Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Aamir Khan.
What was the main argument presented in court?
The main argument was that the producers' choice of an 'A' certificate unfairly restricts access to the film for Rajinikanth's extensive fanbase.
