‘Jana Nayagan’ censor row reaches Supreme Court as producers challenge Madras HC order

Producers of actor Vijay’s much-anticipated film move the Supreme Court after the Madras High Court division bench stayed a direction to grant CBFC certification, casting uncertainty over the Pongal release.

Productions LLP, have filed a Special Leave Petition challenging a recent order of the Madras High Court division bench that halted the process of granting censor certification to the movie.

Earlier, a single judge of the Madras High Court had directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue certification for the film. However, this interim relief was stayed last Friday by a division bench of the High Court. Aggrieved by this development, the producers moved the Supreme Court on Monday morning, seeking urgent intervention.

Also Read:‘Toxic’ glimpse creates record-breaking buzz, ‘Dhurandhar 2’ release under question

Jana Nayagan, which is being widely described as actor Vijay’s final film before his full-time entry into electoral politics, was announced for a Pongal release on January 9. The film has drawn significant public attention, especially after Vijay launched his political party, TVK, and formally stepped into the political arena.

The controversy began on January 6 when the CBFC chairperson decided to refer the film to a revising committee. This came despite the CBFC’s Chennai regional office screening committee agreeing to grant the movie a U/A 16+ certificate, subject to certain scene edits. The referral led to delays, prompting the producers to approach the High Court.

With the division bench staying the single judge’s directive, the certification process came to a halt, leading to the latest appeal before the Supreme Court. The apex court is now expected to hear the matter and pass orders on the ongoing censor certification dispute, which will be crucial in determining the film’s release timeline.