Censor Board Challenges HC Order on ‘Jana Nayagan’

In another major twist, the controversy surrounding Tamil hero Vijay’s Jana Nayagan has taken another turn. With the Madras High Court issuing an order that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) should issue a U/A certificate to Jana Nayagan, the CBFC appealed the decision, seeking an urgent hearing.

Apparently, the Censor body moved swiftly, seeking an urgent hearing, when the High Court’s morning judgement brought temporary relief to the makers. The CBFC’s counsel appealed that the film should be sent to the revising committee for special examination. CBFC mentioned that there are issues like using armed forces emblems in the movie, and those visuals require expert consultation. Also, they want the revising committee to look into the communal overtones in the film, as they could be sensitive.

At a time when the producers felt relieved with the order directing the CBFC to issue a U/A certificate, the Board’s appeal has effectively stalled the process, pushing the theatrical release into further confusion. This new appeal is up for hearing at 2:15 PM today, and if the Court is convinced by the Board, surely the release of Jana Nayagan will not be anytime soon.

Though many argue that the whole issue is a political vendetta, CBFC sources revealed that the film itself is a lot of politics, aimed to be used as a mouthpiece for Vijay’s upcoming debut in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections.