Madras HC clears Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’, orders U/A certificate ending censor standoff

Chennai: The Madras High Court on Thursday directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to immediately issue a U/A 16+ certificate to actor Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, effectively clearing the path for its release after a contentious delay.

Justice PT Asha passed the order after hearing arguments from both the production house and the censor board. The ruling resolves a deadlock that forced the makers to postpone the film at the eleventh hour, disrupting global release plans.

In her observation, Justice Asha remarked that the objections raised by a specific censor board member appeared to be an "afterthought." She noted that entertaining such late-stage complaints sets a "dangerous precedent," emphasising the need for consistency in the certification process.

While the legal hurdle is cleared, the production house has yet to confirm the new release date. Industry sources suggest two scenarios: a rapid release within the next 48 hours to capitalise on the weekend, or a shift to the lucrative Pongal festival window on January 14.

The delay has already caused substantial fallout. Distributors, particularly in overseas markets where advance bookings were robust, were forced to cancel thousands of shows and process refunds, with losses estimated in the crores.

The film holds particular significance for fans and the industry alike, as it is widely billed as Vijay’s final cinematic outing before his transition into full-time politics.