Legal battle over the release of Jan NayganActor-turned-politician Vijay’s much-awaited final film reached a turning point on Tuesday as the Madras High Court reserved its verdict on an appeal filed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Madras High Court reserves verdict on CBFC’s appeal against Jan Nayakan certification
The case, which has attracted national attention due to the political tone of the film and its importance to Vijay’s new political party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), centers on the CBFC’s refusal to grant a censor certificate despite its initial recommendation for a “UA” rating.
debate in court
Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava and Justice G. The division bench of Arul Murugan heard extensive arguments from both sides during the three-hour session. The CBFC’s appeal challenges the single-judge order that had earlier directed the board to immediately grant a “UA” certificate to the film.
Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, representing the CBFC, argued that the board was never given adequate opportunity to file a counter affidavit before the single judge passed the order. He further argued that the producers failed to challenge the January 6 communication, which formally referred the film to a vetting committee.
Defense of the production house, KVN Productions, senior advocate Satish Parasaran said that the CBFC’s regional office had already informed it of the unanimous recommendation from the examination committee for granting UA certificate. Parasaran argued: “The decision was taken unanimously and even if a member later takes a different decision, the majority decision remains. Right now the minority decision is ruling.”
Disputes over materials and procedures
The controversy stems from an internal complaint within the CBFC alleging that certain scenes in the film hurt religious sentiments and contained an objectionable portrayal of the armed forces. However, the producers claimed that they had already cooperated with the board’s requested cuts.
Addressing the demand for a fresh review, Parasaran said that the makers had already removed the scenes in question: “They want us to re-submit the deleted scenes, submit the film as before and then remove the same scenes. This is all on facts. There has been no dispute on this. This is a hollow exercise.”
Financial and political stakes
The delay has caused immense financial pressure on the producers, who had initially planned a Pongal release on January 9. The court was informed that approximately Rs. Rs 500 crore was invested in the project. The film is widely seen as a farewell medium for Vijay as he enters full-time politics with TVK.
The Supreme Court had earlier refused to intervene and directed the Madras High Court to expedite the case by January 20.
