Vijay's Political Entry Film Jana Nayagan Faces Release Delay After CBFC Hurdle
The much-anticipated film 'Jana Nayagan', touted as superstar 'Thalapathy' Vijay's final cinematic venture before he transitions into full-time politics, has encountered a significant roadblock. The movie was scheduled for a grand theatrical release on January 9, but it failed to secure the necessary certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), causing it to miss its announced date.
Legal Battle and Financial Stakes Escalate
Although the film initially received preliminary clearance from the censor board, the makers were subsequently informed that it had been forwarded to a revising committee following a complaint. This unexpected development prompted the production team to approach the Madras High Court seeking relief. While the court has reserved its order on the matter, it has not provided any indication regarding when the final verdict will be delivered.
With a January release now virtually ruled out, the producers have revealed that more than Rs 500 crore is riding on the successful launch of this project. The delay not only impacts box office prospects but also adds to the mounting pressure surrounding Vijay's political career timeline.
Rang De Basanti Director Recalls Similar Censorship Struggle
Amidst this controversy, acclaimed filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has recalled facing a strikingly similar situation with his iconic film 'Rang De Basanti'. The movie's release date was announced but it encountered certification issues due to contentious elements in its storyline, which involved the assassination of a Defence Minister set against allegations of massive corruption in MiG fighter jet procurement.
In a recent interview with Screen magazine, Mehra detailed the bureaucratic challenges he faced. "The bureaucrats at the Defence Ministry told us, 'Don't call a MiG a MiG, don't call a Defence Minister a Defence Minister, you won't get a Censor Certificate. You have to remove the scene on television where the defence minister says: 'the soldiers aren't in their senses, but high on spirit, while flying the planes.' They said you can't do all of this. But I said, all of this is derived from real life. I have facts to support everything," the director revealed.
Standing Firm Against Pressure and Financial Strain
Much like 'Jana Nayagan', 'Rang De Basanti' also missed its initially announced release date. Mehra recalled being cautioned that refusal to make changes could significantly delay the film's theatrical arrival. "They said your film is releasing on 19th January. It will take six weeks for the film to go through the process, to clear it, and you will suffer. So I said, 'Take six years, don't take six weeks. We will release it after six years, it's okay.' But these are facts. So when we stuck to our guns, it went up to the Defence Minister and sailed through after that," Mehra explained.
The film eventually released on January 26 instead of January 19, securing a prestigious Republic Day release that ultimately worked in its favor. Beyond censorship battles, Mehra also spoke about the intense financial strain the project faced even before shooting began. "We were fighting for finances forever. It was just two months before shooting, and my earlier producers, one from America and one from the UK, had to be legally removed from the film because they never performed. They never showed up. They never gave the money," he shared.
Creative Vision Triumphs Over Interference
The director further described having to mortgage his office and house in Pali Hill to keep pre-production running, along with persistent interference from initial producers who questioned casting decisions. "They kept saying, 'Take that actor, why are you doing this? Go for a known face for this one.' I understand collaboration, but I hate interference of any kind because that spoils the film. Not for any egotistical reason or anything. I believe there needs to be singularity in the vision," Mehra emphasized.
Despite these monumental challenges, 'Rang De Basanti' starring Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Siddharth, Soha Ali Khan, and Sharman Joshi proved to be a massive critical and commercial success. The film continues to be celebrated as a cultural landmark years after its release, demonstrating that artistic integrity can ultimately triumph over bureaucratic and financial obstacles.
The parallel between these two films highlights the ongoing challenges Indian cinema faces with certification processes, while also underscoring the high stakes involved when major stars transition between entertainment and political careers.
