On June 18, the Centre sought public comments on the draft Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2021 which proposed to penalise film piracy with a jail term, age-based certification, and empower the Central government in recertification an already certified film following receipt of complaints.

The draft came shortly after the Film Certificate Appellate Tribunal was abolished. It was the last option for filmmakers to appeal if they were dissatisfied with the certificate granted to their film. The comment portal will be accessible to the general public until July 2nd (today). According to experts in cine field, the amendment could jeopardise the freedom of expression.

Surya who opposed the cinematograph ammendment bill took to Twitter and wrote "Law is not about protecting freedom of expression, it is about restricting its voice. Today is the last day. Let us know your objection" and also shared the public commenting page of the bill.

It is notable that earlier this week actor Kamal Haasan also took to Twitter and slammed the bill. He wrote "Cinema, media and the literati cannot afford to be the three iconic monkeys of India. Seeing, hearing and speaking of impending evil is the only medication against attempts to injure and debilitate democracy. Please act, voice your concern for freedom and liberty" and asked his fans to raise voice against it.

சட்டம் என்பது கருத்து சுதந்திரத்தை காப்பதற்காக.. அதன் குரல்வளையை நெறிப்பதற்காக அல்ல...#cinematographact2021#FreedomOfExpression

Today's the last day, go ahead and file your objections!!https://t.co/DkSripAN0d

— Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) July 2, 2021