Tamil filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj has in a recent post on X, highlighted multiple issues hurting Tamil cinema right now, from low-budget indie films like Salliyargal struggling to find theatres, to big-budget releases like Jana Nayagan (Vijay), and Parasakthi (Sivakarthikeyan, Sudha Kongara) stuck in censor delays.

In a lengthy post, Karthik Subbaraj highlighted how small films like Salliyargal are struggling to get theatres, as multiplexes prioritize star-driven releases. With OTT and satellite buyers backing away from small titles, such films are left with no platform, making survival harder than ever for these movies. 

Some Thoughts just as a Lover of CINEMA!!

No theatres for an Low budget Indie film #Salliyargal

Censor delay causing postponement of a Big budget Big Star like Vijay Sir's film #JanaNayagan slated to release tomorrow...

Bookings are yet to open in many centres due to issue of… pic.twitter.com/9ixK3u2qRa

— karthik subbaraj (@karthiksubbaraj) January 8, 2026

Subbaraj also pointed to the serious challenges surrounding the censor process, in lieu of big films such as Jana Nayagan and Parasakthi facing release delays due to certification issues, affecting bookings, and festival release plans. He stressed that 'unrealistic censor timelines' are putting immense pressure on filmmakers to finish large-scale productions months ahead of release.

Ending on a sincere note, Subbaraj urged the film fraternity to unite — leaving aside fan wars, politics, and personal agendas — to truly 'save cinema'. His message is both a reminder and a call for the need for collective action within the Tamil film industry.