Tamil superstar Vijay’s political drama ‘Jana Nayakan’ hit fresh turbulence when Madras High Court summoned CBFC’s complaint files amid certification delays. Justice Anita Sumanth’s bench questioned procedural lapses, scheduling detailed hearing for December 5 in what producers hail as ‘landmark intervention’.
Filmmakers approached court after CBFC Chennai inexplicably stalled certification post-November 10 screening. Despite routine cuts compliance, unidentified complainants triggered bureaucratic paralysis. Court records reveal board sought Delhi clearance for ‘politically sensitive content’—triggering production crisis.
‘Jana Nayakan’ transcends commercial cinema. H. Vinoth’s script dissects corruption networks with Vijay playing crusading journalist-turned-leader. Parallel political narrative mirrors actor’s real-life electoral ambitions, making film lightning rod for controversy even pre-release.
CBFC insiders admit complaint volume overwhelmed regional office. Issues range from dialogue interpretations to symbolic imagery allegedly targeting specific parties. Vijay’s ‘I’m entering politics fully’ announcement amplified scrutiny, transforming routine certification into high-stakes political standoff.
Lyca Productions petition argued Article 19(1)(a) fundamental right violation through ‘arbitrary delay’. Senior counsel highlighted precedents where courts struck down politically motivated certification hurdles. Justice Sumanth noted, ‘Certification cannot become censorship by delay’.
Box office projections pegged ‘Jana Nayakan’ as ₹500 crore opener across languages. Pan-India strategy includes Hindi version retitled strategically, Telugu simulcast, international premieres. Certification delay jeopardizes lucrative Pongal window against stiff competition.
Industry veterans recall similar Vijay film battles—’Master’ faced certification resistance before becoming pandemic-era blockbuster. Pattern suggests targeted delays against politically ambitious actors. Film Chamber demands standardized timelines, digitized complaint verification.
Technical excellence bolsters ‘Jana Nayakan’s credentials. Hollywood-grade VFX by DNEG, Ilaiyaraaja score, international star cast elevates production values. Trailer smashed 100M+ views within 24 hours, proving audience hunger despite certification politics.
Madras High Court emerges as Tamil cinema’s guardian against bureaucratic overreach. Order mandates CBFC transparency—exact complaint details, verification processes, decision timelines. Legal precedent potentially transforms certification landscape benefiting socially conscious filmmakers.
As Vijay transitions from reel heroism to realpolitik, ‘Jana Nayakan’ symbolizes crossroads. Film’s fate December 5 could redefine Tamil star-political journeys, certification autonomy, and cinema’s role confronting power structures. Fans, industry watch with bated breath.