Jana Nayagan Censor Board Row: Madras HC sets aside single bench order on Vijay’s movie

The division bench of the Madras High Court said that the single bench should have given CBFC time to file counter affidavit.

• Madras HC overturns order granting U/A certificate for Jana Nayagan's release
• CBFC and producers still in legal battle, film's release date remains uncertain
• Director Lokesh Kanagaraj confirms cameo in Vijay's final film Jana Nayagan

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In a major setback for Vijay, the Madras High Court has set aside the single bench order on Jana Nayagan's release. Earlier, the single bench had allowed the release of the film with U/A certificate.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and KVN Productions, the producer of Thalapathy Vijay’s final film Jana Nayagan, have been engaged in a legal battle for most of this month.

A fresh hearing took place on January 20 at the Madras High Court, where Chief Justice MM Shrivastaava and Justice G Arul Murugan heard the matter and reserved their order, leaving the film’s release uncertain.

The division bench of the Madras High Court said that the single bench should have given CBFC time to file counter affidavit.

It was when the censor board said that it did not get time to file a counter-affidavit.

The film, which was supposed to release initially on January 9 ahead of Pongal, is still awaiting certification from the CBFC.

After more than a week of delay, Jana Nayagan still has no confirmed release date.

Earlier, on January 15, the makers approached the Supreme Court, but the judges did not grant immediate relief and asked them to present their case before the Madras High Court’s division bench.

Although a division bench of the High Court, comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan, heard the matter in detail last Tuesday, January 20, it abstained from pronouncing a verdict immediately.

With no clarity yet, the makers are worried about the fate of the Rs 500 crore film.

Also read: Thalapathy Vijay refuses CBFC suggested cuts to political dialogues as Jana Nayagan's release faces delay

A day before the Madras High Court was scheduled to deliver its verdict in the Jana Nayagan case, noted director Lokesh Kanagaraj confirmed his involvement in “Thalapathy” Vijay’s swansong. “H Vinoth anna and Vijay anna called me and asked me to do it. I have done a cameo, that is all I can say for now,” news agency PTI quoted Lokesh as saying during a press conference.

Known for helming blockbuster movies like Leo, Vikram, and Kaithi, Lokesh’s most recent directorial venture was the Rajinikanth-starrer Coolie.