PC Sreeram criticises Jana Nayagan censor delay, says "This is the land of Mahatma Gandhi, not Donald Trump..."

PC Sreeram reacts to Jana Nayagan delay

• Jana Nayagan's release delayed due to censor certificate issues
• Industry figures voice concern over possible misuse of government agencies
• Supreme Court directs Madras High Court to decide on censor clearance by Jan 20

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What should have been a routine step before release has turned into a major talking point for the Tamil film industry.

The delay surrounding Jana Nayagan, widely believed to be actor Vijay’s final film, has sparked widespread debate and concern.

Directed by H. Vinoth, the film ran into trouble after delays in receiving its censor certificate—something that is usually a formality but, in this case, has grown into a much larger issue.

As the uncertainty continued, frustration began to spill out publicly. Veteran cinematographer P. C. Sreeram took to social media to express his disappointment, and his words quickly struck a nerve.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “The strength of the Indian state is fighting over one cinema. What a shame”. The post went viral almost instantly, with many in the industry and beyond echoing his concerns.

P. C. Sreeram later clarified that his criticism was not aimed solely at Jana Nayagan. Instead, he said his comments reflected a broader worry about the possible misuse of government agencies across different fields, including cinema.

He stressed that this was a democratic issue that affected everyone, regardless of whether power rested with state or central governments. Driving the point home, he added, “This is the land of Mahatma Gandhi, not Donald Trump.”

The delay has also prompted questions about timing, with several industry voices and social media users wondering whether the hold-up could damage the momentum of Vijay’s farewell project. For many fans, the film carries emotional weight, marking the actor’s final appearance before he moves fully into politics.

Officials, however, have maintained that there is no external pressure at play, stating that the Central Board of Film Certification is simply following standard procedures and conducting a detailed review.

Also Read: Jana Nayagan legal battle explained: Here’s where the Thalapathy Vijay film is stuck at

The legal route has offered little immediate relief. A plea filed by producer Venkat K. Narayana seeking faster censor clearance was dismissed by the Supreme Court, which sent the matter back to the Madras High Court and asked it to deliver a final decision by January 20.

Originally planned for a grand Pongal release on January 9, Jana Nayagan features Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol, Pooja Hegde, Narain, Prakash Raj, and Sunil in key roles. While the delay has disrupted those plans, it has only added to the anticipation.