The release of actor Vijay’s highly anticipated film Jana Nayakan has hit another roadblock, with the Madras High Court refusing to grant permission for its theatrical release. The setback came after a Division Bench considered an appeal filed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Accepting the CBFC’s contention, the court observed that the censor board had not been given sufficient time to submit its counter-affidavit before a Single Bench earlier directed the issuance of a censor certificate. The Division Bench, therefore, set aside the earlier order and directed that the matter be heard afresh by a Single Bench after considering the CBFC’s objections in detail.
The film’s producers, KVN Productions, told the court that all changes and cuts suggested by the CBFC had already been incorporated, alleging that the censor certificate was being withheld without valid justification.
Jana Nayakan was scheduled for a grand Pongal release on January 9, but the plans were derailed when the film failed to secure censor clearance in time. This forced the makers to postpone the release and move the High Court seeking legal relief.
The stakes are high for Jana Nayakan, which has been widely promoted as Vijay’s last film before his expected full-time entry into politics. Directed by H. Vinoth, the film’s fate now rests with the Single Bench of the Madras High Court, which will deliver a fresh ruling after hearing all sides.
