Madras High Court defers Jana Nayagan censor case to Wednesday

The censorship-related legal issue surrounding Jana Nayagan, Thalapathy Vijay’s much-anticipated final film, took a new turn as the Madras High Court on Tuesday adjourned the matter for further hearing. The court has scheduled the case to be taken up again on Wednesday (Jan 7th), while also requesting that the film’s release be temporarily postponed until the issue is resolved.

The case pertains to the delay in granting censor certification for Jana Nayagan, despite the film having completed its screening process with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The makers had earlier moved the court seeking intervention, citing uncertainty over certification at a crucial juncture ahead of the planned release.

During the hearing, the High Court observed that it would require additional time to examine the matter in detail. In the interim, the court requested that the producers refrain from proceeding with the film’s release until a final decision is taken. This development has added a layer of uncertainty, especially as the film was scheduled to hit theatres amid significant fan anticipation and extensive advance booking activity in select regions.

The complaint at the centre of the issue alleges that certain scenes in Jana Nayagan hurt religious sentiments. In response, the Central Board of Film Certification informed the court that the matter has been referred to its Revising Committee for further examination. Taking note of this submission, the court directed that the complaint be formally placed on record as part of the proceedings.

Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth, holds particular significance as it marks Thalapathy Vijay’s final cinematic outing before his transition into public life. The film’s political undertones and contemporary relevance have kept it under close scrutiny, making the certification process especially sensitive.

Despite the legal hurdle, promotions for the film have continued at full throttle, with the trailer dominating online platforms and maintaining strong engagement across social media. The film has also generated strong advance booking interest in overseas markets, while bookings in Tamil Nadu remain limited pending clarity on certification.

The producers are expected to present further submissions when the case resumes on Wednesday, with the industry and fans closely watching the outcome. A resolution would be crucial in determining whether Jana Nayagan can proceed with its planned theatrical release (Jan 9th) as scheduled.