Vijay’s new film Jana Nayagan has run into another hurdle, as the Madras High Court has asked the Censor Board to temporarily hold back the film’s certificate for now. During the second hearing on January 9, the court put a temporary stay on an earlier order that had directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a U/A certificate. This means the certificate will not be issued until the case is heard fully.
The bench observed that the CBFC should have been given a fair window to oppose the film’s release. “At least two-three days should have been given to the board,” the bench said in court during the second hearing today.
The division bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan also questioned the makers for fixing a release date before receiving the certificate. “How can you go ahead with the release of the movie without even a certificate on hand? You can’t fix a date and put pressure on the system,” the bench told the producers.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing KVN Productions, argued that a single board member had raised a complaint even when the film was viewed by the certification panel. He reminded the court that Jana Nayagan had been planned for a January 9 release. The bench, however, said the makers should have waited for the certificate and noted, “You are creating an urgency and putting pressure on court.”
The court also questioned the CBFC on why it filed an appeal in such a rush, asking, “What’s the urgency that you have filed the appeal today?” With the matter now listed for the next hearing on January 21, the Pongal festival window is no longer possible for the film’s release.
Earlier today, Justice PT Asha had reprimanded the film board, calling the case a “dangerous trend,” and for making eleventh-hour alterations to the certification process. She said, “After examining materials, it is crystal clear that the complainant’s grievance appears to be an afterthought.”
Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan stars Thalapathy Vijay, Mamitha Baiju and Pooja Hegde.
