Jana Nayagan Censor Row: Madras HC To Pronounce Verdict On Thalapathy Vijay's Film On January 27

Mumbai: The Madras High Court will pronounce its final order on January 27 in the long-running legal battle over the censor certificate for actor-politician Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' film.

The case revolves around an appeal filed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) against a single judge's January 9 order to issue a U/A 16+ certificate for actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay’s final film 'Jana Nayagan'.

Why is the film stuck in court?

'Jana Nayagan' had been scheduled for a January 9 release but the CBFC did not issue a final certificate in time, citing procedural issues and a possible review by a revising committee. 

The film’s producers went to the Madras High Court seeking timely certification. 

On January 20, the Madras HC heard both the CBFC’s and the producer’s arguments and a division bench led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava reserved the order. 

The court will now decide whether the CBFC must certify the movie without further delay or uphold the board's review process.

What did the producers of 'Jana Nayagan' say on the delay?

Sharing about the emotional and mental toll the delay has taken on the team,
Venkat K. Narayana of KVN Productions shared a video message on Instagram, saying, "This has been an extremely emotional and difficult moment for everyone who has poured their heart, soul, and years of hard work into this film. Above all, we firmly believe that Thalapathy Vijay sir deserves the farewell he has earned through decades of love from his fans."

How did the controversy start?

On December 18 last year, the film's production company applied for a censor certificate from the CBFC. The application was accepted by the CBFC the next day and the film was screened on December 22. 

After the screening, the Board committee  proposed certifying U/A 16+ with cuts, and the producers carried out the cuts and resubmitted the film for certification on December 24.

H Vinoth's directorial was originally slated to hit the theatres on January 9, however the CBFC informed the makers that the chairman had decided to refer the film to a revising committee.

After this, the producers moved to the Madras High Court. On January 9, Justice PT Asha directed the CBFC to immediately grant the film a U/A 16+ certificate.