The Madras High Court has reserved its decision on a plea seeking a UA-16+ censor certificate for Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan, after hearing a petition filed by KVN Productions LLP, the movie’s producers before passing the final order soon.
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court reserved its decision on a petition urging the CBFC to issue a censor certificate under the ‘UA 16+‘ category for the film “Jana Nayagan,” starring top actor and TVK chief Vijay.
Justice P. T. Asha reserved the order following a petition filed by KVN Productions LLP, the film’s production company.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General A. R. L. Sunderesan presented a copy of a complaint from one of the panel members who reviewed the film, as requested by the court.
He stated that the Censor Board has the authority to refer the committee’s decision for a review if it is determined that certain scenes need removal.
The panel member identified 14 scenes that require further examination. Consequently, the decision to issue a censor certificate is currently on hold, awaiting review by the Review Committee.
Senior counsel Satish Parasaran, representing the petitioner, argued that a majority of the panel members favored granting the censor certificate.
He contended that the review should not be influenced by a single complaint from a member. He also highlighted that the Central government holds the power to review decisions, pointing out a lack of transparency in the process.
The producer has invested Rs 500 crore and has set a release date of January 9 to coincide with the upcoming Pongal festival. Thus, the court’s intervention is sought in this matter, he added.
When the plea was heard, Justice Asha had requested the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to provide a copy of the “complaint” alleging that the film “hurts religious sentiments.”
The filmmakers indicated that the movie was sent for “review” after an initial recommendation for U/A certification.
Despite a fixed release date, the CBFC noted that the film can only move forward legally once the censor certificate is issued.
Directed by H. Vinoth, “Jana Nayagan” features actors Vijay, Prakash Raj, Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, and others. The film’s team completed all production work and submitted it for censorship on December 18.
Following this, on December 19, the censor board advised the removal of certain scenes and muting of specific dialogues.
However, even after these alterations were made, the censor certificate had yet to be issued, according to the petitioning production house.