The much-anticipated Pongal release of superstar Vijay's political drama, 'Jana Nayagan', has hit an unexpected roadblock. With just days to go before its scheduled theatrical debut on January 9, the film is still awaiting its official censor certificate, throwing its festive season release into uncertainty.
Certificate Pending Despite Compliance
Directed by H. Vinoth and starring Vijay alongside Pooja Hegde and Mamitha Baiju, 'Jana Nayagan' has been a major topic of discussion for its political themes. According to reports, the film's producers completed post-production and submitted it for certification over a month ago. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) viewed the movie on December 19 and suggested certain cuts and audio mutes, which is a standard procedure.
However, the unusual part is the continued delay. The film's team reportedly complied with all the CBFC's suggestions and resubmitted the revised version promptly. Despite this, the official UA certificate has not been issued, causing significant alarm within the production camp.
Makers Weigh Legal Action as Clock Ticks
The delay has placed the entire release machinery in a state of suspense. With massive logistical operations like theatre bookings and distribution deals hanging in the balance, the team is considering all options. A serious conversation about approaching the courts for an urgent resolution has reportedly begun, should the certificate fail to arrive in time for the Pongal weekend.
This last-minute hurdle is particularly critical for a big-ticket festival release, where advance bookings and promotional plans are tightly scheduled. The uncertainty has also sparked intense speculation and concern among the actor's massive fan base.
Political Figures Question the Delay
The censor delay has transcended cinema circles and entered the political arena. CTR Nirmal Kumar, the deputy general secretary of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, publicly questioned the holdup. He stated that the CBFC had recommended a UA certificate for the film weeks ago, yet the formal clearance was being withheld without clear reason.
His comments have fueled theories about "invisible hurdles" and potential behind-the-scenes influences, adding a layer of political intrigue to the administrative delay. All eyes are now on the CBFC office, with the industry and fans awaiting a decision that will determine the fate of one of Pongal 2025's most awaited releases.
