SA Chandrasekhar Breaks Silence on Son Vijay's Jana Nayagan Delays and Political Journey
Veteran filmmaker SA Chandrasekhar has publicly voiced his support for his son, actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay, amid ongoing delays and certification troubles for the film Jana Nayagan. In a recent statement, Chandrasekhar emphasized that such obstacles are typical for individuals entering politics for the first time.
Chandrasekhar's Supportive Stance on Political Hurdles
"It is normal for those entering politics for the first time to face obstacles. Vijay will face any number of such obstacles," said Chandrasekhar. He further noted that the public is well aware of the circumstances causing the delays in Jana Nayagan, referencing an incident in Karur. "The people know what happened in Karur. Vijay is not afraid of anything. His chances of success are bright," he added, highlighting his son's resilience and optimism.
Chandrasekhar also attributed Vijay's political entry to a surge in political awareness among younger generations and women in Tamil Nadu. "After Vijay entered politics, young people and women are discussing politics. They are more articulate than me," he remarked, underscoring the positive impact of his son's move into the political arena.
Madras High Court's Decision on CBFC Certification
This vocal support comes shortly after the Madras High Court set aside an order that had directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to immediately grant a censor certificate for Jana Nayagan. The court allowed an appeal by CBFC, challenging a previous order from Justice PT Asha dated January 9, 2026, which had also quashed the board chairperson's decision to refer the film to a Revising Committee.
The bench highlighted serious concerns raised by CBFC, including visuals and dialogues depicting foreign powers inciting religious conflict in India, potentially disturbing religious harmony. Additionally, the film contains numerous references to the Army without input from defence experts. "The issue raised was a serious one indeed and required due verification before screening," the bench stated, explaining the rationale behind referring the film for further examination.
In the interest of justice, the bench opted not to dismiss the writ petition outright. Instead, it granted the producer, KVN Productions LLP, an opportunity to amend the petition in light of the court's observations, allowing for a more thorough review process.
Background on Jana Nayagan and Its Significance
Jana Nayagan, an action thriller directed by H Vinoth and starring Thalapathy Vijay in his final film before fully committing to politics, was initially scheduled for release on January 9, 2026, coinciding with the Sakranti festival. However, due to the CBFC-related issues, the release was postponed at the last minute.
The film features a star-studded cast including Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and Priyamani. With a reported budget of around Rs 500 crore, its release is highly anticipated, not only for its cinematic value but also for its implications in the context of Tamil Nadu politics, as Vijay prepares to lead his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Chandrasekhar's comments and the legal developments underscore the intertwined nature of cinema and politics in Tamil Nadu, highlighting how Jana Nayagan has become a focal point in Vijay's transition from a beloved actor to a political figure.
