Two major films – Salman Khan’s Maatrubhumi and Vijay’s Jana Nayagan have been delayed indefinitely over the past few months as political pressures hold off certification and theatrical showcasing, adding to the inventory of unreleased films in India.
The former film, previously titled Battle of Galwan, was to have been released in April, and is fighting a China angle as the government softens its stand towards the neighbouring country. Lead actor-turned-politician Vijay’s film was to have been released in January but has faced intense scrutiny and certification issues ahead of assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
Such delays for films have been seen earlier, adding to costs and expenses, disrupting OTT showcasing, and even having to be majorly re-edited or not released at all. Films including Padmaavat, Udta Punjab and Lipstick Under My Burkha underwent extensive scrutiny before they were released.
“From a cost perspective, the impact can be significant,” said Bhuvanesh Mendiratta, managing director of Miraj Entertainment Ltd. “Delays increase interest costs, marketing re-spends and opportunity loss, while re-editing or reshooting adds further financial pressure. For mid-to-large budget films, this can translate into losses running into several crores, especially if release windows are missed or campaigns need to be restructured.”
Filmmakers typically follow a structured and legal route if the Central Board of Film Certification asks for cuts or changes. Alay Razvi, managing partner of Accord Juris, said they first appeal to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal under the Cinematograph Act, though the outcomes vary and delays mount.
Many approach the high courts or the Supreme Court, citing free-speech violations under Articles 14, 19, and 21, as seen in the plea filed by the Jana Nayagan producers in the Madras High Court and the victory for Udta Punjab when the Bombay High Court slashed the 80-plus demanded edits.
Risks of litigation
“Public campaigns, industry petitions and media pressure amplify demands for certification without changes. Some opt for self-censorship or festival circuits abroad. Litigation often preserves content but risks missing prime release windows, balancing art against financial urgency,” Razvi pointed out.
The cost of a stalled film is multifaceted, according to Ankit Rajgarhia, designate partner at Bahuguna Law Associates. Beyond the production budget, filmmakers face "unsold inventory" and the gruelling expense of retrofitting content.
“For a big-ticket film budgeted at ₹200-400 crore, a six-month delay can incur interest costs of approximately ₹20-40 crore alone. Beyond the producers, the unsold inventory includes marketing spends that must be repeated and loss of windowing, such as missing a holiday release like Eid or Pongal, which can slash opening-day projections by 30-50%,” Rajgarhia explained.
Further, while mid-production pivots to edit or change the plot can add ₹30 crore-60 crore to the budget, delayed films often fall victim to leaks. Jana Nayagan reportedly faced a massive online leak while waiting for CBFC clearance, with trade analysts estimating a potential loss of ₹300 crore-400 crore in theatrical and OTT revenue.
“The deeper concern for the film industry is the uncertainty created by extra-legal pressures,” said Ankit Sahni, a partner at Ajay Sahni & Associates. “Investors and studios allocate hundreds of crores into film production and unpredictability at the release stage affects risk assessment across the entire ecosystem – from financing and insurance to distribution and international co-productions. Ultimately, regulatory clarity and protection of lawful exhibition are essential for maintaining confidence in the film business.”
Double-edged sword
Controversies can be a double-edged sword. Arjit Benjamin, associate partner at Prosoll Law, said films may occasionally benefit from controversies. A controversy can amplify awareness where distribution remains intact. An example is Padmaavat, where despite protests and uneven disruption, the film recorded impressive box office collections.
However, where controversy results in distribution impairment like delays, reduced screens or restrictive certification, the effect is usually negative. Adult certification for Rajinikanth’s movie Coolie was associated with an estimated ₹40 crore-50 crore revenue shortfall, Benjamin added.
“A film works on its own merit, and any surround sound is typically of marginal benefit,” said Mihir Rale, partner – (co-head – digital | TMT) at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. “The practical reality is that the window for theatrical showcasing is shorter than it used to be, creating an unhealthy incentive for anyone who believes that surround sound could help increase footfalls.”