Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin launched a sharp attack on the central government on Monday, accusing it of deliberate delays in granting certification to films and misusing the censor board as a political instrument. His criticism came in response to the hold-up faced by actor Vijay's highly anticipated political drama, 'Jana Nayagan'.
Stalin's Accusation: CBFC Joins Ranks of Central Agencies
In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, Stalin equated the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with central investigative bodies like the CBI, ED, and Income Tax Department. He alleged that the BJP-led Union government has transformed the censor board into a new weapon in its arsenal. "In the line of #CBI, #ED and #IT, the Censor Board has also turned into a new weapon of the Union BJP government. Strong condemnations!" Stalin wrote, framing the delay as part of a broader pattern of political interference.
The Roadblock for 'Jana Nayagan'
The immediate trigger for Stalin's remarks is the certification hurdle for 'Jana Nayagan', which is notably actor Vijay's final film before his formal plunge into politics. The movie, produced by KVN Productions LLP with a massive budget of around ₹500 crore, was originally slated for a grand worldwide theatrical release on 9 January 2026, aiming for the Pongal festival season across nearly 5,000 screens.
However, the release plans have been disrupted. Despite the CBFC's examining committee reportedly clearing the film and recommending a U/A 16+ certificate with only minor modifications, the process stalled. Sources indicate the CBFC chairperson later referred the film to a revising committee. This move came after one of the five examining committee members raised objections, stating their concerns were not properly addressed.
Legal Grounds and Political Repercussions
The CBFC's action is reportedly based on provisions under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, which allow the chairperson to seek a review if dissatisfied with the examining committee's recommendations. While this provides a legal basis, the timing and context have fueled political controversy.
The delay has ignited a significant political debate in Tamil Nadu, with Stalin's comments amplifying allegations of the Centre's overreach into cultural and creative domains. The issue is particularly sensitive given Vijay's rising political profile, adding a layer of political subtext to the administrative delay. As of now, neither the CBFC nor the Union government has issued a detailed official response to the Chief Minister's allegations.
