'Jana Nayagan' censor row: What's next for the Thalapathy Vijay starrer? Legal battle EXPLAINED

The censor controversy surrounding Vijay’s 'Jana Nayagan' has entered a decisive phase, with January 20 emerging as the moment of truth that could seal the fate of the film. The Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene means that the focus shifts back to the Madras High Court for likely hearing of the appeal. The sources tracking the case point out that the Supreme Court has closed several doors for the producers, and January 20 will be important for determining the options available to it.

Supreme Court steps aside as Madras High Court regains control of the case

On Thursday, the Supreme Court refused to grant urgent CBFC approval and asked the producers to go to the Madras High Court’s division bench, which earlier noted the “false sense of urgency” in the present plea. Significantly, the Supreme Court asked the high court to make all efforts to hear the appeal on January 20, even as it clarified that there would be no interference at this stage. Legal experts say that this puts the ball back in the High Court’s court, with the stay order granted by the Chief Justice’s bench remaining in effect.

Legal sources flag remand risk

ETimes seeked out inputs from certified legal counsel who suggested that one likelihood on January 20 could be the Madras High Court's Chief Justice’s Bench remanding the matter to the single judge who heard the case. The Chief Justice’s Bench may also set strict timelines for the CBFC to file its counter-affidavit and the outcome of the case. However, producers will be back to square one, which means the same old tale: hearings before the single judge, which may then appeal the matter to the Division Bench, followed by the Supreme Court all over again, which could take months.

Revising the committee route is seen as the fastest path

Legal experts have also opined that a practical approach from producers at this stage would be to hold the litigation and take the revising committee route as prescribed by the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules of 2024. According to sources, this would enable the film to be passed through the statutory certification process instead of through court delays. Even if the CBFC does not guarantee clearance after the revoking committee, filmmakers can still resort to moving the courts.

With bills piling up and time running out, is January 20 merely a hearing date, or does it hold the key to Jana Nayagan's fate through the courtroom or the censor board?

Jana Nayagan’s release faces uncertainty

With election dates expected to be declared for the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the release of ‘Jana Nayagan’ is likely to be postponed due to the Model Code of Conduct. Given the political nature of the film and Vijay’s potential influence in politics, the very release or any promotional activities of the film might be seen as an attempt to manipulate voters.

In case the MCC is imposed and if the film is scheduled to be released prior to the elections, it will be postponed till after the elections, which will be a significant financial setback for the filmmakers.

Directed by H. Vinoth, the film features Bobby Deol, Pooja Hegde, and

Mamitha Baiju

, with music by

Anirudh Ravichander

.Disclaimer: The information provided in this report is based on current judicial filings, court observations, and reports from legal correspondents. The information provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Release dates and censor certifications are subject to the final verdict of the Madras High Court and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).