Chennai: All eyes are on the Madras High Court this morning as Justice P.T. Asha is scheduled to deliver her verdict at 10:30 AM in the high-stakes legal
battle over the censor certificate for actor Vijay’s film Jananaayagan. The ruling comes on the day the film was originally set for a grand Pongal release, which has now been officially postponed.
The production company, KVN Productions, moved the court after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) withheld the U/A certificate despite the filmmakers making recommended edits. The CBFC cited objections over scenes hurting religious sentiments and the use of armed forces emblems as reasons for sending the film to a review committee.
Jana Nayagan movie case: Arguments in court
During the hearings, the producers highlighted that ₹500 crore had been invested in the project and that delaying the release would cause massive financial and logistical losses. They argued that the CBFC’s delay was unreasonable after compliance with initial cuts.
The CBFC, in its defense, stated that the petitioner cannot demand a certificate within a stipulated timeframe and that the review was necessary due to serious complaints. The board also pointed out that 14 scenes had been flagged for deletion and that expert opinion was needed regarding the depiction of armed forces insignia.
Jana Nayagan movie release issue: Political and fan reactions
The controversy has spilled beyond cinema into politics. Congress leaders, including Girish Chodankar, Manickam Tagore, Jyothimani, and Vijay Vasanth, have appealed that the issue should not be politicized. Meanwhile, Vijay’s fans have flooded social media with messages of support, expressing both anxiety and hope as the court’s decision approaches.
Jana Nayagan release status
With the Pongal release officially canceled, advance bookings across Tamil Nadu and overseas have been halted, and refund processes are underway. The industry is keenly awaiting the court’s direction—whether it will mandate the CBFC to issue the certificate, suggest further modifications, or leave the matter to the review committee’s timeline.
Today’s verdict will not only decide the fate of one of Tamil cinema’s most expensive projects but could also set a precedent for censorship disputes involving politically sensitive content.
Jana Nayagan -the political action thriller, directed by H. Vinoth with stars like Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol, had shattered records with $3.6 million in overseas advances and sold-out shows in India. Fans rallied on #WeStandWithTHALAPATHY, with messages like ‘You don’t need a date.. you are the opening,’ while refunds process and a new date looms.
