Jana Nayagan Censor Row: Actor, Former CBFC Member EV Ganesh Babu Explains Why CM Vijay's Film Certification Was Delayed

Jana

Nayagan, Vijay's final film before his transition into full-time politics, has been one of the most talked-about releases of the year—not just for its political points but also for the prolonged delay in obtaining its CBFC certification. The film eventually reached cinemas after months of speculation, legal proceedings and several rounds of scrutiny. Now, filmmaker and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) advisory panel member EV Ganesh Babu has offered an insight into what happened behind the scenes. In an interview, he explained the sequence of events that, in his view, led to the film's delayed certification.

Why Jana Nayagan's Certification Was Delayed

Ganesh Babu who has worked in films such as Yamuna and Kattil revealed that he was part of one of the CBFC committees that viewed Jana Nayagan, although he was not involved in the final panel that gave the film its certificate. In an interview with Cinema Express he said that the film was first screened before a five-member examining committee in Chennai, which recommended that it be referred to a Revising Committee, a larger panel constituted for sensitive or disputed cases.

Instead of immediately applying for a Revising Committee, the producers (KVN Productions) chose to challenge the CBFC in court. Ganesh Babu explained that once legal proceedings began, the certification process slowed down. The matter required responses from CBFC officials in Mumbai, and the producers even approached the Supreme Court before eventually withdrawing their petition. By the time they reapplied for certification, however, the election commission had announced elections, bringing the Model Code of Conduct into effect.Because Jana Nayagan contained political themes, the committee felt additional clearance from the Election Commission would be required before certification could proceed. Ganesh Babu said that no CBFC official deliberately delayed the film, adding that had the producers opted for the Revising Committee earlier instead of litigation, there was a "100% possibility" the film would have received its certificate in time for its planned Pongal release.

How the CBFC Process Works

Ganesh Babu also explained why a Revising Committee cannot be formed overnight. Unlike a regular examining committee, it consists of around ten members led by a senior chairperson, with members selected carefully to ensure neutrality. Even the unavailability of a single member can delay the process.

Talking about Jana Nayagan's leaked footage, he said CBFC screenings are conducted under strict security. Films are supplied through encrypted Qube hard drives protected by KDM keys, while producers and directors remain in a separate room during the screening. Security measures make it virtually impossible for committee members to copy or leak the film. Talking about its A certification, he said as a member he is not permitted to publicly discuss certification decisions or express opinions on films they assess.