Madras High Court Reserves Verdict on CBFC Appeal in Vijay's Jana Nayagan Certification Case

The release of Thalapathy Vijay's film Jana Nayagan remains uncertain as the Madras High Court reserved its verdict on January 20 regarding an appeal filed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The dispute centers on the CBFC's referral of the film to a revising committee after an examining committee recommended a UA certificate with cuts. The court examined procedural issues, including whether the CBFC was given adequate time to respond and the authority of the chairperson's decision. The makers cited a Rs 500 crore investment and industry practices of announcing release dates before certification, while the court emphasized due process and declined to grant relief based on financial stakes. The Supreme Court declined to intervene, directing the matter to the Madras High Court. The film, widely promoted as Vijay's final before full-time politics, was initially slated for a January 9 release but remains uncertified amid ongoing legal proceedings.