The release of superstar Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated film 'Jana Nayagan' has been thrown into uncertainty just days before its scheduled debut. The Madras High Court has become the battleground for a dramatic legal clash after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) abruptly halted the certification process, despite earlier indications of clearance.
Courtroom Clash Over Certification U-Turn
The controversy erupted today when the film's producers approached the Madras High Court, citing prolonged delays. The film was submitted over a month ago under the Tatkal process for a swift review. The CBFC, represented by the Additional Solicitor General (ASG), defended its last-minute decision to refer 'Jana Nayagan' to a freshly constituted committee for review.
The ASG argued that the CBFC Chairperson holds the statutory authority to order such a review at any stage before final certification, especially if procedural issues arise. This move was reportedly triggered by a complaint from a member of the original examining committee, who claimed his objections were not properly recorded.
Judicial Scrutiny and Producer's Plea
Justice P.T. Asha, presiding over the case, sharply questioned the CBFC's actions. The judge raised critical concerns about the lack of transparency, asking why the filmmakers were not informed about the review decision before being instructed to make cuts. Justice Asha also noted that the process was not communicated via the official e-Cinepramaan system and questioned the Board's reversal of its earlier stand, calling such complaints "not healthy" for the process.
Representing the production house, senior counsel Satish Parasaran mounted a strong counter-argument. He revealed that the producers only learned during the hearing that the complaint came from within the examining committee itself. He stressed that four out of five committee members had initially recommended certification, and a single member's subsequent objection should not override a clear majority. Parasaran emphasized the massive financial stakes, with nearly ₹500 crore on the line, given the publicly announced release date of January 9.
Verdict Awaited on Release Day Morning
The ASG maintained that the court should not interfere with the CBFC's statutory duties and could at best direct the board to complete the review within a strict timeline. After extensive arguments from both sides, Justice P.T. Asha reserved her orders. In a dramatic twist, the court indicated that the verdict would likely be pronounced on the morning of January 9, 2024—mere hours before the film is slated to hit theatres nationwide.
This last-minute legal hurdle casts a significant shadow over what is widely believed to be Thalapathy Vijay's final film before he transitions into full-time politics. The entire Indian film industry and the actor's massive fanbase now await the High Court's decision, which will ultimately determine the fate of 'Jana Nayagan'.
