The release of Vijay’s Jana Nayagan faces further uncertainty after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, requesting that no orders be passed until the board is heard. The move comes ahead of a potential plea by the film’s producer, KVN Productions, challenging the Madras High Court Division Bench’s order related to the film’s certification.
The dispute began after a single judge directed the CBFC to grant a UA certificate for the film. However, the Division Bench set aside that order on January 27, citing procedural lapses and emphasizing that the CBFC should have been given adequate time to present its case. The bench also noted that the producer had not challenged the chairperson Prasoon Joshi’s order during proceedings and remanded the matter for fresh consideration.
The controversy over certification stems from a complaint alleging that Jana Nayagan might hurt religious sentiments. The CBFC’s examining committee initially suggested a UA 16+ rating after 14 cuts, which the filmmakers implemented, but no formal certification was issued. As a result, the film, originally slated for release on January 9, has been delayed for over three weeks.
Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan is touted as Vijay’s final film before entering politics with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. The movie, an adaptation of Anil Ravipudi’s Balakrishna-starrer Bhagavanth Kesari, also features Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol, and Pooja Hegde in lead roles.
With multiple legal hurdles and the CBFC’s caveat now in place, the film’s release date is likely to be pushed further.