Producers of Vijay's final film Jana Nayagan move Madras High Court over CBFC certification row

The producers of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s upcoming Tamil film Jana Nayagan have approached the Madras High Court challenging the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) decision to have a relook at the certification to be given to the film, by referring the matter to a Revising Committee [KVN Productions LLP Vs CBFC]..Jana Nayagan is touted to be Vijay's last film, following his recent foray into politics through the party he founded, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The film is scheduled for theatrical release on Friday (January 9). However, the CBFC has not yet issued the final certificate permitting its release.The CBFC's Examining Committee had earlier recommended that the film be given ‘UA 16+’ certification, subject to specified cuts that the filmmakers complied with. However, the matter was later referred to a Revising Committee following a complaint by an individual regarding the film's alleged contents. This has been challenged before the High Court by the film's producers, who have sought directions for the grant of the final censor certificate. .Justice PT Asha heard the matter today..Additional Solicitor General (ASG) ARL Sundaresan, appearing for the Central Board of Film Certification, sought time to file a response. The Court has adjourned the hearing till tomorrow. .The makers of the film have told the Court that they applied for censor certification on December 18, 2025. Following a personal hearing, the Examining Committee, by communication dated December 22, 2025, recommended grant of certification under the ‘UA 16+’ category, citing depictions of violence, fight sequences, gory visuals, and brief references to religious sentiments as the basis for the age restriction.The Committee directed certain excisions and modifications. The producers state that these were fully complied with and a revised version of the film was resubmitted on December 24, 2025. The modifications were verified on December 29, 2025, after which the producers were informed that the film would be granted ‘UA 16+’ certification..Despite this, the producers received an email dated January 5, 2026, stating that the film was being referred to a Revising Committee under Rule 24 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules on the basis of an alleged complaint relating to religious sentiments and the portrayal of armed forces.The producers argue that the certification rules do not permit reopening a concluded certification process on the basis of undisclosed complaints, particularly after compliance with all mandated cuts. They contend that the identity of the complainant, the contents of the complaint, and any supporting material have not been disclosed, rendering the CBFC's decision arbitrary and violative of principles of natural justice.The plea also questions how any complaint could arise when the film has not been screened or exhibited to the public and has only been viewed by the production team and statutory authorities..During the hearing today, Senior Advocate Satish Parasaran, appearing for the producers, submitted that nearly ₹500 crore is riding on the film, which is slated to release across more than 5,000 screens worldwide. .It was also pointed out that Jananayagan has already secured censor clearance in 24 other countries. The producers have further raised concerns that continued delay in the film's release could lead to piracy and cause the filmmakers irreparable commercial and reputational harm..Senior Advocate Parasaran appeared with Advocates Shubang Nair and Vijayan Subramanian..Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.