Vijay's Jana Nayagan Release Halted Amid Censor Row: What's Behind the Delay
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Actor-politician Vijay's highly-anticipated film Jana Nayagan has been delayed due to a contentious censor certification issue, sparking a heated debate in the run-up to its scheduled release on January 9. The film's producers, KVN Productions, cited 'unavoidable circumstances' for the postponement, acknowledging the immense anticipation surrounding the project, which is believed to be Vijay's last film before entering politics in full force. The controversy began when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) halted the certification process following a complaint from a member of the examining committee, despite the panel initially recommending clearance with cuts. The producers have since filed a petition in the Madras High Court, seeking a direction to grant the film a 'UA 16+' certificate. As the legal battle continues, the delay has evolved into a major political flashpoint. Congress MP Manickam Tagore accused the government of undermining freedom of speech and expression, claiming that the censor board was being 'weaponised' to control cinema and ideas. Tagore emphasized that art requires constitutional protection, not political clearance. The certification impasse has significant implications for the film's global rollout, with overseas distributors in the UK, North America, Canada, and Malaysia confirming the postponement. The delay has also disrupted ticket sales, with some tickets selling for as high as ₹5,000 in Karnataka, Kerala, and overseas. Directed by H Vinoth and produced by Venkat K Narayana, Jana Nayagan features a star-studded cast, including Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, and Priyamani. The film's fate now hangs in the balance, pending the court's verdict on the certification battle. Fans, exhibitors, and distributors worldwide await clarity on a fresh release date for the highly-anticipated film.
