New Delhi, Jan 12 (UNI) The makers of the Tamil film ‘Jana Nayagan’, starring actor Vijay, have approached the Supreme Court challenging an interim order of the Madras High Court, which has put the film’s release on hold.
The High Court had stayed a single judge’s direction to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant the film a U/A 16 plus certificate.
Jana Nayagan, considered one of the most awaited Tamil releases and widely seen as Vijay’s last film, is now facing an indefinite delay, with the outcome depending on the Supreme Court’s decision.
According to reports, the production house has sought urgent listing of the matter before the apex court and has requested that the case be taken up at the earliest.
The legal dispute began after the CBFC failed to issue a censor certificate within time, forcing the film’s producers to approach the Madras High Court just days before the scheduled release.
The delay in certification effectively stalled the film’s release. On January 6, the producers moved the High Court, complaining of the delay.
During the hearing, the CBFC informed the court that a complaint had been received alleging that a scene in the film contained content offensive to religious sentiments, which required further review.
Justice Asha, who heard the matter, questioned how a member of the certification committee could file a complaint in an individual capacity after the certification process had already begun. She also questioned why the film was subjected to fresh scrutiny after it had passed through the prescribed procedure.
The CBFC argued that a symbol associated with the defence forces had been used without consulting appropriate experts, but maintained that there was no ulterior motive behind the objection.
On January 9, Justice Asha allowed the petition filed by the producer, M/s KVN Productions LLP, and directed the CBFC to issue a U/A 16 plus certificate to Jana Nayagan.
The High Court also set aside the CBFC’s decision to refer the film to a Revising Committee after the Examining Committee had unanimously recommended a U/A 16 plus certificate, subject to certain cuts.
The single judge held that once the CBFC had accepted the Examining Committee’s recommendation and communicated it to the applicant, the CBFC chairperson had no authority to reopen the process by invoking revisional powers under the Cinematograph Certification Rules, 2024.
Any such attempt, the court said, was without jurisdiction.
Justice Asha described the complaint as an afterthought and cautioned that allowing committee members to change their stand after a decision was taken would set a “dangerous trend” and undermine the credibility of the CBFC’s certification process.
However, the CBFC challenged this order before a division bench of the Madras High Court headed by the Chief Justice.
The division bench questioned the filmmakers for announcing a release date without securing certification and granted an interim stay on the single judge’s order.
As a result, the film’s release was halted. The next hearing before the High Court is scheduled for January 21.
Challenging the interim stay, the producers have now moved the Supreme Court, arguing that the single judge’s order was legally sound and that the High Court stay has caused serious prejudice by delaying the film’s release.
The Supreme Court is expected to consider the plea seeking urgent relief in the coming days.
Supreme Court petition filed to lift stay on ‘Jana Nayagan’ release
