Supreme Court Refuses to Entertain Jana Nayagan Producers' Plea, Refers Matter to Madras High Court

The Supreme Court of India on January 15 refused to entertain the plea by the producers of Tamil film 'Jana Nayagan', starring actor-turned-politician Vijay, challenging a Madras High Court division bench order that stayed a single judge's directive to grant censor board clearance. The film, initially slated for a January 9 Pongal release, remains uncertified due to objections raised by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The Supreme Court directed the producers to approach the Madras High Court division bench, which is scheduled to hear the matter on January 20. The delay has caused significant financial and promotional setbacks, with over 5,000 theatres booked and substantial pre-release business affected. The film is widely publicised as Vijay's final cinematic project before his full-time political career.