The much-anticipated final film of actor-turned-politician Vijay, titled 'Jana Nayagan', has hit a major roadblock, leading to a delay in its theatrical release. The movie, which also stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, and Mamitha Baiju, was originally scheduled to premiere in cinemas on January 9. However, unexpected legal and censorship-related complications have forced the postponement, pushing the team into a high-stakes courtroom battle.
Seven Senior Lawyers Roped In For Urgent Petition
In a significant development, noted film trade analyst Ramesh Bala took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share an update. He revealed that the production team behind 'Jana Nayagan' has enlisted the services of seven senior Supreme Court lawyers. This powerful legal team is preparing to file an urgent petition challenging the stay order issued by a Madras High Court bench and the scheduled hearing on January 21. This aggressive move underscores the makers' determination to resolve the issue swiftly and secure a green light for the film's exhibition.
Madras High Court's Initial Support for the Film
Interestingly, the Madras High Court had previously shown strong support for 'Jana Nayagan' during an earlier hearing. The presiding judge made observations heavily in favour of the film, even describing the complaint lodged against it as "dangerous" and stating that such objections should not be entertained. The court raised critical questions about how a film could be sent for re-examination based on the objection of a single member. It clarified that once a UA certificate is granted, the chairperson's authority effectively ceases.
Following these strong remarks, the High Court had quashed the order that mandated the film's re-examination. It directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue the UA certificate without any further delay.
The Plot Thickens: Chairperson's Appeal
Despite the favourable ruling, the controversy is far from over. The chairperson of the Censor Board has filed an appeal against the single judge's order. This appeal has now reached the Chief Justice's bench. The bench has stated that it will consider the appeal only after the proper submission of all necessary documents, leaving the film's fate in a state of legal limbo.
The ongoing tussle highlights the complex interplay between creative expression, certification protocols, and legal recourse in the Indian film industry. Fans of Vijay are now eagerly awaiting the next hearing, hoping for a final verdict that will allow 'Jana Nayagan' to see the light of day on the big screen.
