The Madras High Court on Tuesday heard KVN Productions’ petition concerning the delay in certification for Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) maintaining that no final decision has yet been taken on the film.
Appearing for the CBFC, Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan informed the court that the examining committee’s recommendation to remove 14 portions from the film was only an “intermediary step” in the certification process. He clarified that the CBFC chairperson is yet to arrive at a final call on Jana Nayagan.
Explaining the sequence of events under the Cinematograph Act, the ASG told the Chief Justice that the producers were formally informed on January 6 that the film was being referred to a revising committee, even though earlier communication had suggested that the board had already reached a decision. He added that the CBFC did not get adequate time to file a counter affidavit when the matter was listed the very next day, January 7, before a single judge of the High Court.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice sought clarity on who had issued the communication sending the film for revision: the CBFC’s Chennai regional office or its Mumbai headquarters. The court was told that the message originated from the board’s Mumbai office.
Sundaresan reiterated that the recommendation of 14 cuts should not be seen as final, stressing again that the chairperson’s approval is still pending. He also questioned the producers’ claim that Jana Nayagan had been made on a budget of ₹500 crore, raising concerns over the decision to announce a release date even before the certification process was completed.
Concluding his submissions, the ASG argued that the CBFC was not given an opportunity to place its response on record in the earlier proceedings and pointed out that the January 6 communication had not been challenged by the makers at that stage.
The High Court will hear KVN Productions’ arguments after the lunch break.
Helmed by H Vinoth, boasts a sprawling ensemble cast featuring Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, Pooja Hegde, and Narain, among others. There has also been persistent buzz that Jana Nayagan may be a remake of Nandamuri Balakrishna’s 2023 Telugu film Bhagavanth Kesari, a speculation strengthened by the trailer, though the makers have stopped short of confirming it.
Jana Nayagan has music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, with cinematography by Sathyan Sooryan and editing by Pradeep E Ragav. Along with KVN Productions, the film is co-produced by Jagadish Palanisamy and Lohith NK.
