Chennai: The release of actor Vijay’s much-anticipated film Jana Nayagan remains uncertain after the Madras High Court on Tuesday reserved its verdict on an appeal filed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) challenging a previous order directing it to grant the film a UA certificate.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan heard arguments from both sides for nearly three hours before reserving its decision on January 20. The appeal was filed by the CBFC against a single bench order that had instructed the board to certify the film under the UA category, which permits children below 12 years to watch the film under parental guidance.
Legal Battle Over Certification
The case has turned into a legal tug-of-war between KVN Productions, the producers of Jana Nayagan, and the CBFC. While the filmmakers argue that the movie complies with certification norms and deserves a UA rating, the CBFC has raised objections, contending that certain aspects of the film require further scrutiny.
The prolonged legal process has now placed the film’s theatrical release on hold, leaving distributors, exhibitors, and fans in suspense.
High Stakes for Vijay’s Film
Jana Nayagan holds particular significance as it is widely believed to be Vijay’s final film, making it one of the most eagerly awaited releases in Tamil cinema. The uncertainty has also raised concerns within the trade, as family audiences, a key segment of Vijay’s box-office strength, are closely linked to the film’s UA certification.
Industry insiders note that any further delay or stricter certification could impact the film’s release schedule and box-office prospects.
What Lies Ahead
If the High Court upholds the earlier order in favour of the producers, Jana Nayagan could receive its certification and proceed toward release without further hurdles. However, if the court allows the CBFC’s appeal, the film may have to undergo another round of review, potentially delaying its release even further.
For now, all eyes remain on the Madras High Court as the fate of one of Tamil cinema’s most high-profile films awaits a final legal call.