The Madras High Court on Friday, January 9, directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to immediately grant a UA certificate to the upcoming Tamil film Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay. The film’s release, which had been scheduled for Friday, has since been postponed.

While pronouncing the order, Justice PT Asha observed that the complaint raised against the film appeared to be an afterthought. “After examining the materials, it is crystal clear that the complainant’s grievance appears to be an afterthought,” the court said, cautioning that entertaining such complaints could set a “dangerous trend.”

The court further held that the CBFC chairperson’s letter dated January 6, referring the film to the Revising Committee, was without jurisdiction. It noted that once the excisions and modifications suggested by the Examining Committee were carried out, the UA certificate ought to have followed automatically.

As reported by Live Law, the court also ruled that the chairperson lacked the authority to exercise review powers after having informed the production house that a UA certificate would be granted subject to cuts. “Exercise of power by the chairperson is without jurisdiction since the power to send the film for review stood abdicated after the communication that a UA certificate would be issued subject to excisions,” the court observed.

Invoking its inherent powers, the High Court set aside the CBFC chairperson’s letter referring the film to the Revising Committee, allowed the petition, and directed the CBFC to issue the UA certificate forthwith.
The Censor Board has moved to challenge the Madras High Court’s certification ruling on the movie, seeking an urgent hearing and requesting that the film be reviewed by a revising committee.

One of the most anticipated Tamil films of the year, Jana Nayagan holds particular significance as it marks Vijay’s final on-screen appearance before he turns his full attention to politics and his party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Directed by H Vinoth, known for Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru, Valimai, and Nerkonda Paarvai, the film features an ensemble cast including Pooja Hegde, Prakash Raj, and Gautham Vasudev Menon. It is produced by Venkat K Narayana under the KVN Productions banner, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander.
(With Live Law inputs)