Tamil Star Vijay Faces Dual Challenges: CBI Probe and Film Certification Dispute
Tamil cinema superstar Vijay finds himself navigating two significant professional challenges simultaneously. The Central Bureau of Investigation questioned the actor on January 12 regarding the Karur stampede case. Meanwhile, his upcoming film Jana Nayagan has become entangled in a certification dispute with the Central Board of Film Certification.
Recalling the 2017 Social Media Trolling Incident
This current situation brings renewed attention to Vijay's past stance against online abuse. Nearly a decade ago, the actor publicly addressed a disturbing episode involving his fans and a journalist.
In 2017, Bengaluru-based journalist Dhanya Rajendran tweeted about walking out of Shah Rukh Khan's film Jab Harry Met Sejal. She compared this experience to leaving Vijay's 2010 film Sura earlier. This simple comparison triggered an immediate and aggressive response from some of Vijay's followers.
The trolling escalated rapidly over subsequent days. Social media posts directed at Rajendran included:
- Rape threats and violent language
- Personal attacks targeting her family members
- Coordinated hashtag campaigns singling her out
The journalist approached law enforcement authorities about this harassment. Police recorded her official statement and initiated searches for four users who had posted abusive content from anonymous accounts. Those accounts were eventually deleted according to reports.
Authorities registered cases under multiple legal provisions:
- Relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code
- The Information Technology Act, 2000
- The Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 2002
Vijay's Response to the Abuse
When the abusive behavior came to light, Vijay issued a clear statement condemning the attacks. He appealed directly to his fans to stop the harassment immediately.
"In society, I respect women the most," Vijay declared. "Whoever has the right to describe whatever the movie is according to their wish."
The actor emphasized that no circumstances justify disrespectful comments about women. He specifically urged restraint in online behavior, stating "I urge everyone not to post anything on the internet with the instinct that harms women."
Current Legal and Professional Developments
Vijay's recent questioning by the CBI relates to the Karur stampede investigation. This development places the actor under official scrutiny from central investigative authorities.
Simultaneously, his film Jana Nayagan faces certification hurdles. The film's producer has approached the Supreme Court regarding a dispute linked to CBFC certification. According to reports, the movie was scheduled for release on January 9, 2026.
The legal proceedings have seen multiple developments:
- A Madras High Court division bench stayed an earlier single bench order
- The Supreme Court is expected to hear the matter on January 21
- The certification dispute directly impacts the film's release timeline
These concurrent challenges create a complex professional landscape for the popular actor. The CBI investigation represents serious legal scrutiny, while the film certification issue affects his immediate cinematic project. Both situations unfold against the backdrop of his past principled stand against online harassment, creating a multifaceted narrative about celebrity responsibility, fan culture, and legal accountability in the entertainment industry.
