Rajinikanth Coolie censor row: Madras High Court upholds CBFC ‘A’ certificate
Noor Mohmmed
28/Aug/2025

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Madras High Court refuses to interfere with CBFC examining and revising committee decisions on Coolie movie’s ‘A’ certificate.
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Sun TV Network’s appeal challenging the censor rating for Rajinikanth’s film was dismissed by Justice T.V. Thamilselvi.
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The ruling confirms the original CBFC decision, allowing the movie to retain its adult certification without further changes.
In a significant development for Tamil cinema, the Madras High Court has dismissed the appeal filed by Sun TV Network challenging the ‘A’ certificate awarded to Rajinikanth’s film Coolie. Justice T.V. Thamilselvi refused to interfere with the decision taken by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)’s examining committee as well as its revising committee.
The case was closely followed by cinema enthusiasts and industry insiders, as it involved one of the most anticipated films featuring Rajinikanth, a superstar with a massive fan base across India and abroad. The ‘A’ certificate classification implies that the film is restricted to adult audiences, limiting the younger demographic from watching the movie in theaters.
Background of the Case
The controversy started when Sun TV Network raised concerns over the CBFC’s decision, arguing that the content could be suitable for a wider audience and requested reconsideration of the certification. The network filed an appeal in the Madras High Court, seeking to overturn the ‘A’ certificate.
However, Justice T.V. Thamilselvi, after examining the details, upheld the original CBFC decisions and dismissed the appeal, reinforcing the authority of both the examining and revising committees in determining film classifications.
Implications of the Ruling
The court’s decision has several implications for the Tamil film industry and media networks:
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It upholds the CBFC’s autonomy in certifying films, ensuring that creative decisions related to adult content are respected.
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Filmmakers and producers now have clarity on certification processes, particularly for films containing mature content or intense scenes.
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Media networks like Sun TV must respect the certification rulings, which could influence their broadcast and promotional strategies for films.
Rajinikanth and Coolie
Rajinikanth, a household name in Indian cinema, has a history of delivering box office hits with wide audience appeal. However, films with intense action or mature themes often attract scrutiny from certification boards and media networks alike.
With the Madras High Court ruling, Coolie can proceed with its release without any changes to its certification, ensuring that the film’s content remains intact as per the director’s vision.
Conclusion
The dismissal of Sun TV Network’s appeal reaffirms the authority of the CBFC in film certification. For fans of Rajinikanth, it ensures that Coolie will release as intended, with its adult classification intact. This ruling also sets a precedent for future cases where broadcasters or networks may seek judicial intervention against CBFC certifications, highlighting the judicial support for autonomous regulatory decisions in cinema.
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