The Madras High Court has postponed a crucial hearing concerning the censorship of superstar Vijay's upcoming film 'Jana Nayagan' to January 7. The court's decision comes after the film's producers urgently sought judicial intervention to direct the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a certificate, allowing the big-budget movie to meet its scheduled Pongal festival release on January 9.
Court Directs CBFC to Produce Complaint Details
During the hearing on Tuesday, Justice P T Asha took a significant step by directing the CBFC to formally submit a copy of the complaint it received against the film. This complaint reportedly claims that certain content in 'Jana Nayagan' hurts religious sentiments. The judge asked the board to provide this document by Wednesday. Representing the CBFC, Additional Solicitor General A R L Sundaresan argued that the Revising Committee has the statutory power to act on complaints and that the board cannot be compelled to issue a certificate within a forced timeframe.
A Race Against Time for Pongal Release
The legal tussle highlights a frantic race against the calendar for the production house, K V N Productions. The film, starring Vijay alongside Pooja Hegde and Mamitha Baiju and directed by H Vinoth, was submitted for certification on December 18. The producers revealed that the examining committee initially suggested some cuts and audio mutes on December 19, which they promptly implemented and resubmitted.
They informed the court that the film was later recommended for a U/A certificate. However, the process hit a roadblock when it was referred to the Revising Committee following an anonymous complaint. The producers' legal team raised a pivotal question: since the film is not yet public, how could a complaint about its content even arise? They emphasized that the movie, made at an estimated cost of about ₹500 crore, is slated for a pan-Indian release in three languages.
Financial Stakes and Judicial Query
With the release date looming, the financial implications are massive. When Justice Asha inquired if the release could be postponed by even a single day, the producers firmly stated that the date has been widely announced and any delay would result in heavy losses. The court has now adjourned the matter to January 7, 2024, for further hearing, leaving the film's fate hanging in the balance just two days before its intended theatrical debut.
The outcome of this case is being closely watched, as it pits the procedural protocols of film certification against the commercial realities and promotional commitments of a major festival release. All eyes will now be on the CBFC's submission and the High Court's subsequent ruling next week.
