Leaders of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) have launched a sharp accusation against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), alleging a deliberate delay in certifying actor and party chief Vijay's upcoming film, 'Jananayagan'. The party warns that this hold-up could disrupt the movie's scheduled release on January 9 and provoke significant public anger.
Allegations of Political Motivation
TVK joint general secretary C T R Nirmal Kumar stated that efforts to block the film's release are politically driven and will be recognized as such by the people. He emphasized that the CBFC viewed the film on December 19, yet there has been no progress on certification since. "At a time when people across Tamil Nadu are waiting with hope for our leader’s film, preventing its certification is not right," Kumar said. He issued a warning, asserting that any attempt to stop the release would ultimately backfire on those responsible.
Echoing this sentiment, TVK chief coordinator K A Sengottaiyan framed the delay as an attack on a burgeoning political movement, not just a cinematic project. "Preventing the release of a film made by someone whom the people see as a future chief minister is unacceptable," Sengottaiyan declared. He added that those who believe such obstacles will weaken Vijay are mistaken, and the move will only strengthen public support.
Broadside on Law, Order, and Policies
Shifting focus to other issues, Nirmal Kumar also criticized BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran for his statements regarding the tragic Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives. Kumar questioned the lack of follow-up action, asking why, if the BJP seriously believed its allegation that DMK minister V Senthil Balaji was responsible, it had not pushed central agencies to issue summons, conduct an inquiry, or make an arrest.
Furthermore, Kumar attacked both the state and Union governments on welfare and employee policies. He labeled the continuation of the contributory pension scheme a "deception," accusing the government of going back on repeated promises to restore the old pension scheme for employees.
TVK Gains Momentum with New Joinees
Amid these controversies, the TVK appears to be consolidating its position. The party has recently welcomed several prominent figures and grassroots functionaries from rival political outfits. Notable new entrants include Mayuri, the granddaughter of late Congress chief minister K Kamaraja, former NTK leader Jegadesa Pandian, and former AIADMK MLAs. This influx of members from parties like the DMK, AIADMK, BJP, VCK, and NTK signals a shifting political landscape in Tamil Nadu as the state gears up for future electoral battles.
The brewing conflict over 'Jananayagan' has thus become a flashpoint, intertwining cinema, politics, and public sentiment, with the party positioning any bureaucratic hurdle as a direct challenge to the aspirations of its supporters.
