Several screenings of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay's Jana Nayagan faced unexpected disruptions in Chennai on Sunday after multiplexes began strictly enforcing the film's A certification, leading to delays and temporary cancellations when minors were found inside auditoriums.
One of the incidents was reported during the 9.25 am show at PVR Cinemas in Ampa Mall. According to a moviegoer who shared the experience on social media, the screening was paused roughly 10 minutes after it began when police officials entered the theatre upon noticing that children had been admitted to the show despite the film's adults-only certification.
A similar situation unfolded at PVR Grand Mall, where theatre authorities reportedly halted or delayed scheduled screenings after identifying underage viewers inside the auditorium. Posts circulating online suggested that the issue was not limited to a single venue, with several users claiming they witnessed comparable interruptions at other screenings of the film.
The incidents come days after Jana Nayagan was released with an A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), making it legally restricted to viewers aged 18 and above. While enforcement of the rule has reportedly been inconsistent in some parts of Tamil Nadu, multiplexes in Chennai appear to have tightened compliance over the weekend.
Before the film's release, producer Venkat K Narayana had voiced his disappointment over the adults-only classification. He argued that Jana Nayagan, which centres on girl-child empowerment, was designed to be enjoyed by family audiences despite the CBFC's decision.
The certification followed multiple revisions sought by the CBFC, including modifications to references linked to Vijay's political party TVK, alterations to certain dialogues, and edits to a few violent sequences before the film was cleared for release.
Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan is billed as Vijay's swansong as an actor before he devotes himself to full-time politics. The film hit theatres on July 23 and registered a strong opening at the box office despite underwhelming reviews and an HD version surfacing online ahead of its theatrical release.