In a significant relief for the makers of actor Vijay’s much-anticipated film Jana Nayagan, the Madras High Court has directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a U/A 16+ certificate, clearing the way for the film’s theatrical release.
The film, which was scheduled to hit screens on January 9, faced uncertainty after its certification process was halted following a complaint raised during the censor review stage. The delay triggered legal proceedings, with the production house seeking judicial intervention to ensure timely release.
Madras High Court Orders Censor Clearance
On Friday, the Madras High Court ordered the CBFC to grant Jana Nayagan a U/A 16+ certificate, marking a major legal win for the filmmakers. The court’s direction effectively clears the film for release, ending days of speculation around its censor status.
The order comes after Justice P.T. Asha reserved judgment earlier this week following detailed arguments from both sides. The hearing involved counsel representing KVN Productions and the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) appearing on behalf of the CBFC.
Complaint Came from Examining Committee Member
During the proceedings, ASG A.R.L. Sundaresan informed the court that the complaint which stalled the certification process was filed by a member of the examining committee. Notably, the objections raised in the complaint were not recorded during the official screening of the film.
The ASG further submitted that the CBFC Chairperson has the authority to order a review of a film even after it has been screened by the examining committee, which was exercised in this case.
High Stakes for Makers
The production house argued that the delay posed severe financial risks, with nearly ₹500 crore at stake. Despite the pending certification, advance bookings had already opened in several regions, including Karnataka, Kerala, and overseas markets, with ticket prices reportedly going as high as ₹2,000.
About ‘Jana Nayagan’
Directed by H. Vinoth, Jana Nayagan stars Vijay, Mamitha Baiju, Pooja Hegde, and Bobby Deol in key roles. The film was positioned as a major Pongal release and has drawn exceptional attention as it is widely being promoted as Vijay’s final film before his entry into Tamil Nadu politics with his party TVK.
With the High Court’s directive now in place, audiences can expect the film’s release to proceed without further regulatory hurdles.
