Beyond Vijay's Jana Nayagan, another KVN Productions backed project, KD, is said to have hit an unexpected hurdle. The film, which stars Dhruva Sarja in the lead, is directed by Prem.
After being evaluated by a Karnataka based committee of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), KD, has been sent to a revising committee in Mumbai. Speaking about this developement, director Prem has opened up, calling the situation both confusing and unfair to the team. “We went through the proper channels,” said Prem.
He went on to say, “The regional censor board had already watched KD. They were clear with their feedback. They even suggested an ‘A’ certificate because of the bloodshed. I was okay with it, because I didn't want to remove scenes, as it will break the story's narrative. They even asked us to change just two lines in a song. That’s normal, and we were ready to comply.” What has unsettled the director is what followed next.
“Suddenly, we are told that the film is not being cleared and is being sent to a revising committee in Mumbai. We had no proper communication, no clarity. Neither I, nor the producers, nor even the regional censor board officers were formally informed. How does that happen?”
Prem believes this move goes against the standard certification process. “If a regional board has already reviewed and given its direction, there is a system to follow, Here, it feels like that system has been bypassed, now the film sent to Mumbai revising committee. We are not against scrutiny, but there has to be transparency.”
The director also said, "This is not just about KD. Kannada films often seem to face these last-minute obstacles. It delays releases, affects planning, and puts unnecessary pressure on the team. We have done everything asked of us. We respect the board, but fairness cannot be one-sided. Right now, we have to wait for the process to get the certificate."
The film, which is set for a release in multiple langauges, brings together a diverse cast that includes V Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty, and P Ravi Shankar, among others. Kichcha Sudeep is also playing a key role. With Reeshma Nanaiah also leading the cast, KD has Nora Fatehi making a special appearance in a song.