Coolie makers get HC shock over censor certification

Coolie makers get HC shock over censor certification. Super Star Rajinikanth's Coolie directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj which released on 14 Aug 2025, got A certificate from the Censor Board.

Ahead of the release, the makers boasted as if getting A certificate is a sure shot to success. However, with the things turning out to be different and collections not as expected, they approached the Madras High Court against the Censor Board's A certification.

Now, the High Court, after hearing the arguments, gave a shock to the Coolie makers. Justice T.V. Thamilselvi rejected the appeal filed by the production house under Section 5 of the Copyright Act of 1957. The appellant had challenged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)‘s decision that the movie was unfit to be watched by children due to its violent content and sustained portrayal of smoking and consumption of liquor.

Senior counsel J Ravindran appeared for the petitioner and stated that scenes featuring alcohol consumption and bad words were removed from the film. Despite this, CBFC issued an "A" certificate to the production company.

Defending its decision before the High Court, the Board said, Section 58(2) of the Cinematograph Act authorises the Centre to issue such directions, as it may deem fit, setting out the principles which shall guide the CBFC in issuing appropriate certificate to films intended for public exhibition.

Justice T V Thamilsevi rejected the petition made by Sun Pictures justifying a U/A certificate under Section 5 of the Copyright Act of 1957. The Judge mentioned "The civil miscellaneous petition (filed by Sun TV Network) is dismissed for want of merit."