The legal battle surrounding the discharge of Jana Nayagan, the highly anticipated final film of actor-turned-politician Vijay, reached a critical juncture on Tuesday because 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 appeal against Jana Nayagan certification
The case, which has drawn national attention attributable to the film’s political overtones and its significance to Vijay’s latest political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), centres on the CBFC’s refusal to grant a censor certificate despite an initial suggestion for a “UA” rating.
Arguments in Court
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan heard extensive arguments from either side during a three-hour session. The CBFC’s appeal challenges a single-judge order that had previously directed the board to grant the film a “UA” certificate immediately.
Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, representing the CBFC, argued that the board was never given an adequate opportunity to file a counter-affidavit before the one judge passed the order. He further contended that the producers did not challenge the communication dated January 6, which formally referred the film to a Revising Committee.
In defense of the production house, KVN Productions, Senior Advocate Satish Parasaran maintained that the CBFC’s Regional Office had already communicated a unanimous suggestion from the Examining Committee to grant the UA certificate. Parasaran argued: “A unanimous decision was taken and even when one member later takes a unique decision, there remains to be a majority decision. At once the minority decision is governing.”
Dispute Over Content and Procedures
The controversy stems from an internal criticism throughout the CBFC alleging that certain scenes within the film hurt religious sentiments and contained an objectionable portrayal of the armed forces. The producers, nevertheless, claimed they’d already cooperated with the board’s requested cuts.
Addressing the demand for a brand new review, Parasaran noted that the producers had already deleted the scenes in query: “They need us to re-introduce the scenes that were deleted, submit the movie because it was before after which delete the identical scenes. All that is on facts. It has not been disputed. It’s an empty exercise.”
Financial and Political Stakes
The delay has caused significant financial strain on the producers, who initially planned for a Pongal release on January 9. The court was informed that just about Rs. 500 crores had been invested within the project. The film is widely seen as a farewell vehicle for Vijay as he transitions into full-time politics with the TVK.
The Supreme Court had previously refused to intervene, directing the Madras High Court to expedite the matter by January 20.
Also Read: Supreme Court refuses to intervene in Jana Nayagan release controversy; Madras HC told to determine by January 20
More Pages: Jan Neta Box Office Collection
BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES
Catch us for up to date Bollywood News, Latest Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, Latest Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2026 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.