Jana Nayagan Row: CBFC calls 14 cuts an ‘intermediary step’, raises doubts over Rs 500 crore budget claim

Jana Nayagan legal hearing update

• Madras High Court hears plea over delayed certification of Jana Nayagan film
• CBFC: Final decision on Jana Nayagan pending, current edits are interim.
• Producers seek clarity as film's release plans remain uncertain

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The legal dispute surrounding the delayed certification of Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay, returned to the spotlight on Tuesday as the Madras High Court heard a plea filed by KVN Productions against the Central Board of Film Certification.

The producers are seeking clarity and relief after the film failed to receive timely clearance, a delay that has left its release plans hanging in the balance.

During the hearing, the Central Board of Film Certification told the court that a final decision on Jana Nayagan is still pending.

As per Hindustan Times, according to the board, the Chairperson has not yet issued an order, and the cuts suggested so far should not be seen as conclusive. The board maintained that the edits recommended were only ‘intermediary’ and part of the certification process, rather than a final call on the film’s fate.

Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, appearing for the Central Board of Film Certification, walked the court through the timeline of events, referring to the Cinematograph Act to explain the procedure followed.

Addressing the Chief Justice, he said that although earlier communication may have indicated that a decision had been taken, the producers were formally informed on January 6 that the film had been sent to a revising committee.

He added that in the previous Madras High Court case, heard by a single judge, the board had little time to file a response before the matter was listed on January 7.

The Chief Justice questioned why Jana Nayagan was referred to a revising committee and sought clarity on whether the communication came from the regional office in Chennai or the board’s headquarters in Mumbai.

The court was told it was the latter. Reiterating his position, the Additional Solicitor General stressed that the examining committee’s recommendation of 14 cuts was only an ‘intermediary step’ and that the final word still rests with the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification.

The Additional Solicitor General also appeared sceptical of the producers’ claim that they had invested ₹500 crore in the film, questioning the wisdom of announcing a release date before certification was complete.

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

Wrapping up his arguments, he said the Central Board of Film Certification was never given adequate time to file its reply in the earlier case and noted that the January 6 communication had not been challenged then.

The Madras High Court will hear KVN Productions’ arguments after lunch, keeping all eyes on how the dispute will unfold.