Amazon Prime Video Threatens Legal Action Over Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' Release Uncertainty
The producers of Vijay's highly anticipated political drama 'Jana Nayagan' have made startling revelations during a recent Madras High Court hearing, alleging that Amazon Prime Video warned of potential legal action due to uncertainty surrounding the film's release date. This disclosure came to light on January 20 during proceedings related to an ongoing dispute between KVN Productions and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over the film's censor certificate.
Release Date Postponement and CBFC Dispute
Originally scheduled for a January 9 release to coincide with the Pongal festivities, 'Jana Nayagan' – which marks Vijay's farewell film before his full transition into politics – faced unexpected delays. The makers submitted the film to the CBFC on December 18, only to receive a request for 27 cuts following the initial screening. After implementing these changes and resubmitting the revised version on December 22, the producers announced the postponement with a statement expressing their disappointment.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share this update with our valued stakeholders and audiences," the statement read. "The release date of Jana Nayagan, eagerly awaited on January 9, has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control."
Legal Proceedings and Amazon's Warning
During the court hearing, Senior Advocate Satish Parasaran, representing KVN Productions, disclosed that Amazon Prime Video had informed the producers of a possible lawsuit if the release date remained uncertain. This warning reportedly came on December 31, adding pressure to an already tense situation.
The producers approached the court citing 'no communication' from the CBFC between December 25 and January 5, despite multiple requests for updates. Parasaran argued that the CBFC had provided only a 'communication' rather than a formal 'order' that could be legally contested, leaving the producers without clear legal recourse to challenge the decision.
CBFC's Objections and Procedural Issues
The counsel for the producers revealed additional complications, stating they were instructed to reinsert previously deleted scenes before sending the film to the revising committee – a process they described as an 'empty exercise.' Meanwhile, the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) representing the CBFC questioned why the release date was announced before certification was granted.
In response, the 'Jana Nayagan' producers pointed to the precedent set by 'Dhurandhar 2,' arguing that announcing release dates before certificate clearance is common industry practice. The hearing also addressed procedural concerns, with producers arguing that examining committee members should not simultaneously act as complainants, noting that the same member had previously raised no objections to granting certification.
Contentious Content and Court Proceedings
The ASG informed the court that he had come prepared with a sealed cover containing records and a complaint from the CBFC's Mumbai regional office. According to the complaint, 'Jana Nayagan' allegedly hurt religious sentiments and contained objectionable portrayals of the armed forces.
Chief Justice examined the urgency of the plea and observed that granting expedited hearings in such matters could potentially 'set a precedent.' The Madras High Court has reserved its orders on a writ appeal filed by CBFC against a single judge's order directing it to issue a U/A 16+ certificate for the film. Until the court's decision, the makers must hold the film's release.
Disclaimer: This report is based on current judicial filings and reports from legal correspondents. As the matter remains sub judice before the Supreme Court of India, all information regarding hearing dates and film certification is subject to change based on official court orders. This article serves informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or guarantee the film's release date.
