The much-anticipated Pongal release of superstar Vijay's film, 'Jana Nayagan', has been thrown into uncertainty. The film's creators were forced to announce an indefinite postponement of its global release, originally scheduled for January 9, citing "unforeseeable circumstances." This dramatic move came amidst a brewing controversy involving the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and a subsequent legal petition.
Certification Deadlock and Legal Battle
The core issue stems from the CBFC withholding the certification necessary for 'Jana Nayagan' to hit theatres. The film was poised for a massive worldwide release across 5,000 screens. However, a petition was filed against the CBFC regarding this delay, bringing the matter before the Madras High Court.
During the hearing on January 7, the court revealed intricate details of the internal CBFC deadlock. A five-member examining committee had reviewed the film, with four members recommending a U/A 16+ certificate. The objection raised by the fifth member, who filed a complaint to the CBFC chairman, was not resolved internally in time. The concerns reportedly pertained to specific scenes that could potentially hurt religious sentiments. The court has announced that the final verdict in this case will be delivered on January 9 at 10:30 AM.
Fan Fury and Social Media Storm
As the legal drama unfolds, Vijay's massive fan base has erupted in support online. Expressing disappointment and alleging unfair treatment, fans have taken to social media platforms to rally behind their favourite star. Hashtags like #WeStandWithTHALAPATHY and #Istandwithvijayanna have been trending, reflecting the emotional connect and the high stakes involved.
Fan comments ranged from unwavering support to accusations of political interference. One fan wrote, "If not this Pongal, No problem Anna...The day your movie releases, that day itself is Diwali & Pongal for us." Another lamented, "What could have been the biggest celebrated day with the farewell film is now spoiled by Dirty Politicians." The sentiment of a deliberate delay was echoed in comments speculating about "politics lag raha hai full on."
Ripple Effect in the Tamil Film Industry
The certification crisis has cast a shadow over the entire Pongal release season in Tamil cinema. With 'Jana Nayagan' postponed, the other major Tamil release, 'Parasakthi', scheduled for January 10, was expected to have a clear field. However, reports indicate that this film is also facing delays in obtaining its CBFC clearance.
This dual delay has sparked significant concern within the Tamil film industry about the certification process itself. The incidents have raised questions about transparency, timelines, and the potential for external pressures to impact the smooth release of films, especially during crucial festive periods like Pongal. The industry now keenly awaits the Madras High Court's verdict, which could have broader implications for film certification protocols.
