Jana Nayagan censor certificate issue: Why Vijay-Bobby Deol film is facing last-minute delay? Explained

What was supposed to be a bittersweet day for fans of Vijay by bidding an emotional farewell to the star with FDFS shows of Jana Nayagan on Friday, has turned out be a disappointment with the film being postponed from its release. The reason being delay by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in issuing censor certificate. But what has really happened in the delay of the procedure that every film goes through? Here is everything explained:

Jana Nayagan censor certificate issue: What caused delay in Vijay’s last film release?

Jana Nayagan makers had slated the film release on January 9, the day scores of Vijay fans were prepared for to watch the last outing of their favourite star on big screens. Vijay had already declared that he will be giving up cinema to pursue full-time politics, before he began rallying across Tamil Nadu, and even attack the ruling parties, both State and Union. The repercussions eventually trickled down to create a huge impact on Jana Nayagan.

With Jana Nayagan billed as Vijay’s final film and the trailer containing plenty of political undertones, the issue with the film began when the makers approached CBFC for the certificate on December 19. After suggesting a few minor cuts, the officials had informed verbally that Jana Nayagan will receive U/A certificate. On December 24, the revised version was submitted for approval, and with the Christmas holiday observed in between, the delay to get the certificate began from there on.

Also read: Jana Nayagan postponed: After Vaa Vaathiyaar, LIK, Vijay’s film fails to release on time; delays since December haunt Tamil cinema

On January 5, the film was reportedly referred to the Revising Committee because it hurt religious sentiments and for the portrayal of armed forces. The Regional Censor Office had asked the makers to contact the Mumbai office. This had caused for the advance bookings not be opened in Tamil Nadu, and to speed up the maters, the production approached the Madras High Court, seeking to issue the censor certificate.

What did the Madras High Court say?

When the hearing came up on Wednesday, the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) had stated that one of the members of examining committee had complained that his objections were not recorded and had asked for time of four weeks to file counter affidavit. It was heard by Justice P Asha, said that the CBFC chairperson can order for a review even after the examining committee has watched it. To counter this, ASG stated that Jana Nayagan contained certain symbols of defence forces and that CBFC chairman can send the movie to screening committee for review. ASG also had asked for four weeks of time to file a counter affidavit.

Meanwhile advocate Parasaran representing the Jana Nayagan team had conveyed that the five members of the examining committee recorded their reviews and it was last minute on Wednesday they came to know that one of the members had lodged the complaint. Even as the makers stated that their stakes were high given the film was made on Rs 500-crore budget, Madras HC reserved their orders on January 9, the day of release. Invariably, Jana Nayagan team had put out an announcement confirming the official postponement.

Who came in support of Jana Nayagan team?

Amid the censor row, members of the film fraternity showed support, and this includes actors Silambarasan, Ravi Mohan, Harish Kalyan, Jiiva, Jai, filmmakers Karthik Subbaraj, Rathna Kumar, Venkat Prabhu, Ajay Gnanamuthu and others. However, silence lingered among the stalwarts like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan who had voiced at the time of Mersal censor issue. Many also pointed out the absence of any response from filmmakers Atlee, Nelson Dilipkumar and Lokesh Kanagaraj who worked closely with Vijay.

Did Madras HC ask CBFC to issue U/A?

When the hearing came on Friday, January 9, Justice PT Asha had asked CBFC to issue U/A certificate in what may seem as a rejoicing moment for fans. However quick enough the ASG who represent CBFC appealed against the HC orders to the Chief Justice. The case hearing was adjourned later on Friday.

What did the Chief Justice say?

With the division bench consisting of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan, their order temporarily stayed the orders of Madras HC of granting U/A certificate. The reason being Centre was not given enough time to reply. Further, the ASG also stated that CBFC did not get enough time to present its arguments. To represent CBFC, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had appeared and said that single judge who issued orders, did not give any opportunity to CBFC to file a counter affidavit. After hearing both sides' arguments, Chief Justice observed how a single judge can pass order and how can producers fix a date without censor clearance. To this, Parasaran who represented Jana Nayagan producers, said that it was communicated orally on December 22 by CBFC that U/A certificate would be given. However, Chief Justice countered that they should have waited until they got the certificate. Subsequently, the Chief Justice bench stayed PT Asha's orders with the next hearing adjourned to January 21.

Is Jana Nayagan release date in soup?

With January 21 next hearing scheduled, Jana Nayagan will skipping the Pongal period, with the potential dates only in February.

Jana Nayagan FAQs

Q. How much Vijay got paid for Jana Nayagan?

A. Vijay reportedly got paid Rs 275 crore for his upcoming movie Jana Nayagan.

Q. What is Jana Nayagan release date?

A. Jana Nayagan has been postponed from January 9, with new release date yet to be announced by the makers.

Q. What is Vijay 69th movie name?

A. Jana Nayagan is the title of Vijay's 69th film.