'Jana Nayagan' censor row: Thalapathy Vijay starrer likely to be DELAYED or POSTPONED; Rs 500 crore at STAKE

'Jana Nayagan' censor clearance hit a fresh hurdle today, triggering intense arguments in the Madras High Court just days before the film’s scheduled January 9 release. The controversy centres on the Central Board of Film Certification’s decision to halt certification and refer the film for a fresh review by a newly constituted committee, despite earlier indications that a U/A 16+ certificate would be granted after excisions. The unexpected move has placed Thalapathy Vijay’s much-anticipated film, widely described as his final outing before full-time politics, under a cloud of uncertainty at the last minute.

Producers move Madras High Court

The issue reached the High Court after the producers approached it, citing prolonged delays despite submitting the film over a month ago under the Tatkal process. During today’s hearing, Justice P.T.

Asha

began examining the matter in detail as the CBFC, represented by the Additional Solicitor General (ASG), defended its actions. The ASG told the court that the CBFC Chairperson has statutory authority to order a review at any stage before certification, especially if procedural defects or unresolved objections surface.

He added that a complaint raised by a member of the examining committee claiming his objections were not recorded prompted the decision to pause certification and seek a fresh review, as per the updates on LIVELAW.

Court questions lack of transparency and sudden reversal by the Board

The report further stated that the argument, however, was sharply questioned by the court. Justice Asha asked why the filmmakers were never informed about the review decision before being asked to carry out cuts, and why the process was not transparently communicated through the official e-Cinepramaan system.

The judge also raised concerns over how the Board could reverse its earlier stand after communicating that certification would be granted subject to excisions, remarking that such complaints were “not healthy” and questioning the lack of prior notice to the producers.

Filmmakers argue majority clearance, cite massive financial stakes

Senior counsel Satish Parasaran, appearing for the production house, mounted a strong counter-argument, stating that four out of five examining committee members had recommended certification and that a single member’s later objection could not override a clear majority.

He revealed that only during today’s hearing did the producers learn that the “complaint” originated from one of the examining committee members themselves.

Stressing that nearly ₹500 crore was at stake with the release date publicly announced, he argued that the CBFC had misunderstood the Cinematograph Rules and acted outside due process.

High Court reserves orders as verdict looms on release day itself

The ASG maintained that the CBFC Chairperson’s powers allow such a review before certification and that the court should not interfere with statutory duties, at best directing the Board to complete the process within a fixed timeline. After hearing both sides at length, Justice P.T. Asha reserved orders, indicating that a decision is likely to be pronounced on the morning of January 9 just hours before 'Jana Nayagan' is slated to hit theatres, making today’s courtroom clash a decisive moment for the film’s fate.