Vijay Thalapathy Jana Nayagan Movie Case: Madras High Court Hears CBFC Appeal

The vijay thalapathy jana nayagan case returned to focus on Tuesday as the Madras High Court resumed hearing an appeal filed by the Central Board of Film Certification. The case centers on the delayed certification of the film Jana Nayagan, starring actor-politician Vijay.

A division bench led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan is examining the appeal filed by the Central Board of Film Certification.

CBFC Appeal Against Jana Nayagan Certification

The appeal challenges a January 9 order by a single judge of the Madras High Court, which directed the CBFC to grant a U/A certificate to Jana Nayagan without delay. That order was stayed later the same evening by the division bench, keeping the film’s release uncertain.

The CBFC has argued that the earlier direction was issued without giving the board adequate time to place its response on record.

Jana Nayagan Sent to Revising Committee

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan, appearing for the CBFC, explained the sequence of events that led to the current dispute. He told the court that the film was referred to a revising committee under the Cinematograph Act, and that this step was communicated to the producers on January 6.

According to the CBFC, the examining committee’s suggestion of 14 cuts was not a final decision. The board described the recommendations as an “intermediary step” in the certification process.

CBFC Says Chairperson Decision Pending

A key point raised in court was that the CBFC chairperson has not yet taken a final call on Jana Nayagan. The board told the bench that the process is still open and under review.

The Chief Justice sought clarity on whether the communication to send the film to the revising committee originated from the CBFC’s regional office in Chennai or from its headquarters in Mumbai. The court was informed that the message came from Mumbai.

₹500 Crore Budget Claim Questioned

The CBFC also questioned the producers’ public claim that Jana Nayagan was made with an investment of ₹500 crore. The board argued that announcing a release date before the certification process was complete was a decision taken at the producers’ own risk.

This observation drew attention in court, as the makers have cited financial pressure and release timelines while seeking faster clearance.

KVN Productions and the Court Battle

The case was initiated after KVN Productions approached the Madras High Court, alleging undue delay by the CBFC in certifying the film.

The producers had earlier moved the Supreme Court of India against the stay order passed by the division bench. The Supreme Court declined to interfere, noting that the High Court was already scheduled to hear the matter.

Why the Single Judge Order Was Stayed

The division bench had stayed the single judge’s order on the grounds that the CBFC was not given sufficient time to file a counter affidavit. The board reiterated this argument during Tuesday’s hearing, stating that the matter was listed too quickly for a proper response.

The CBFC maintained that its January 6 communication about the revising committee was never challenged before the single judge.

Focus on Legal Process, Not Film Content

Throughout the hearing, the discussion remained centered on procedure rather than the film’s storyline or political context. The court focused on whether due process under the Cinematograph Act was followed and whether the CBFC acted within its authority.

This approach kept the case firmly in the legal domain, avoiding debate over creative or ideological issues.

Jana Nayagan and Vijay’s Public Profile

The case has drawn wide attention due to Vijay’s dual role as a leading Tamil film star and a political figure. Jana Nayagan is among his most awaited projects, and any delay has a direct impact on distributors, exhibitors, and fans.

Industry observers note that certification disputes involving high-profile films often become flashpoints due to tight release schedules.

What Happens Next in Jana Nayagan Case

After hearing the CBFC’s arguments, the Madras High Court indicated that it would take up submissions from KVN Productions after the lunch break. The producers are expected to counter the board’s claims and press for early clearance.

The bench is likely to decide whether the CBFC should complete the certification process within a fixed timeline or whether the revising committee review should continue without court intervention.

Film Industry Watching Closely

The outcome of the vijay thalapathy jana nayagan case is being closely tracked by the Tamil film industry. Producers and distributors see the matter as a test case on how certification timelines are handled for big-budget films.

Any clear direction from the court could shape future interactions between filmmakers and the CBFC.

The hearing is set to continue, with further arguments expected from both sides. Until a final order is passed, Jana Nayagan remains without certification, keeping its release plans on hold.

More updates are expected as the Madras High Court resumes proceedings later in the day.

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