Former BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai has called for stricter enforcement of film-certification rules, arguing that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) should apply the same standards to every movie, irrespective of the popularity of its actors.
His comments come amid the ongoing debate around Yash-starrer Toxic and concerns over violence, the portrayal of women and whether age-based film certifications are being properly followed. Annamalai did not directly name Toxic while making his remarks.
Annamalai Wants Tougher Film Censorship
Annamalai said India’s film-certification system should become stricter and pointed to censorship practices in Western countries as an example.
“The censor board should be even stricter. When we go to the US or European countries, look at how strict their censor boards are. In India, however, many scenes we see are unacceptable — scenes that have no regard for age groups like 16, 18, or 14. So, some films should be completely censored,” he said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
However, Annamalai clarified that his demand should not be interpreted as a call to ban films altogether.
‘Not Saying Films Should Be Banned’
The BJP leader said the focus should instead be on ensuring that films receive and follow appropriate age-based certification.
“I’m not saying films should be banned, but they should be properly censored. Also, theatres should strictly enforce who can and can’t watch such movies. Even after many films get age-specific certificates, theatres don’t enforce them; they let everyone in. Only theatres in malls impose the rules properly,” he said.
According to Annamalai, certification becomes ineffective if theatres fail to check whether viewers meet the required age criteria.
‘Even If a Big Star Is Acting’, Rules Should Apply
Annamalai also argued that the CBFC should not be influenced by an actor’s popularity when deciding what content can appear on screen.
He said some films had negatively affected students and stressed that audiences should follow the age restrictions mentioned in censor certificates.
He further argued that even if a major star is part of a film, the CBFC should independently determine which scenes can remain and which should be removed or modified.
Annamalai Raises Objection to Portrayal of Women
Without naming the film, Annamalai also criticised what he described as vulgar portrayals of women in movies.
He alleged that a woman was presented “vulgarly, as a sex trophy” and raised objections to depictions involving relationships between a married man, his wife and a mistress.
His comments have come as Toxic, starring Yash, faces discussion over its content and presentation.
Toxic Controversy Adds to Debate
The debate surrounding Toxic has extended beyond its box-office performance, with questions being raised over its treatment of violence and other themes.
The Free Press Journal’s review gave the film two stars, describing it as a movie that had potential but was undermined by its screenplay, direction, lack of emotional connection and length.
The review concluded: “Overall, Toxic had the potential to be a better film, but the weak screenplay and direction, no emotional connection, and the length of the movie make this Yash starrer an unbearable watch. So, you can skip it!”
Annamalai’s intervention has now brought the wider issue of film certification and enforcement back into focus, particularly over whether age restrictions are being implemented consistently and whether the CBFC should adopt tougher standards for content shown to younger audiences.
