The controversy over the censor clearance of Vijay-starrer Tamil film Jana Nayagan has reached the Supreme Court, with the film producer KVN Productions filing an appeal challenging a Madras High Court interim order that had left the film's release date uncertain.

On January 9, a single-judge Bench of the Madras High Court had initially ordered the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to promptly clear the film's release, in line with the recommendations of an examining committee of the Board.

However, hours later, a Division Bench of the High Court stayed the single judge ruling after the matter was urgently mentioned by the CBFC.

The producers have now approached the top court against the Division Bench order.

The film is touted to be Vijay's final film amid his recent foray into politics through the party he founded, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). It was scheduled for a January 9 release.

An examining committee of the CBFC had earlier recommended that it be given a U/A 16 censor certificate if the filmmakers agreed to cut some scenes.

The filmmakers made the suggested cuts. However, a complaint was made later by one of the CBFC examining committee's members, alleging that the film contained scenes that could hurt religious sentiments. The complainant also claimed that the film contains depictions of the defence forces which must be reviewed by a defence expert.

On the basis of this, the CBFC decided to refer the matter to a revising committee after the filmmakers were initially told that their film would be granted U/A 16+ certification.

This prompted the film's producer to approach the Madras High Court urgently for relief, on concerns that the film's release would now be delayed with the CBFC's referral of the matter to a revision committee.

Arguments were heard by Justice PT Asha on January 6-7, before she allowed the filmmaker's plea on January 9. She opined that the CBFC chairperson could not have referred the matter to a revising committee after the examining committee had recommended its release, particularly since the filmmakers had agreed to make suggested cuts to the movie.

However, a Division Bench of the Court led by Chief Justice MM Shrivastava then passed an interim order staying the single-judge verdict. The stay was granted on the ground that the Central government was not allowed time to file their response to the plea.

This turn of events has now been challenged before the Supreme Court.