Jana Nayagan’ Row: Madras HC Lets KVN Productions Withdraw Plea, Directs CBFC Route

Madras, Feb 10 : In a significant development for Vijay’s highly anticipated film Jana Nayagan, the Madras High Court on Tuesday allowed KVN Productions to withdraw its petition challenging the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The producers informed the court that they would continue with the statutory certification process rather than pursue litigation.

Justice PT Asha accepted the request after counsel for the production house stated that the filmmakers preferred to resolve the matter through the CBFC review mechanism. The case was subsequently listed as withdrawn, bringing the immediate legal proceedings to a close.

Petition stemmed from certification delay

The dispute arose after the certification board allegedly indicated that the film could receive a ‘UA’ rating subject to certain edits. Despite implementing the suggested changes, the production company claimed the certificate was not issued, prompting it to seek judicial intervention.

Complications emerged when the board referred the film to its revising committee following a complaint from an examining committee member. The objection reportedly cited scenes that could affect religious sentiments and potentially misrepresent the armed forces.

Earlier court orders triggered legal back and forth

On January 9, a single judge bench directed the CBFC to grant certification, criticising the referral for review after prior assurances. The order described the move as beyond jurisdiction and faulted the board for considering objections after recommendations had already been submitted.

However, a division bench quickly stayed that directive, observing that the certification authority had not been given adequate opportunity to present its position. The bench also questioned the urgency surrounding the plea and instructed the producers to amend their petition if they wished to challenge the chairperson’s decision formally.

Producers return to certification pathway

With the plea now withdrawn, the filmmakers have effectively returned to the regulatory process. The decision is expected to streamline the path toward certification, though the review will determine the film’s release timeline.

Rumoured to be Vijay’s final cinematic outing before a full fledged political entry, Jana Nayagan has drawn widespread attention. While the legal hurdle has eased for now, the film’s fate rests on the outcome of the CBFC evaluation.