Mon Jan 12 07:52:20 UTC 2026: # Supreme Court Hears Plea in Film Certification Dispute Over Vijay-Starrer “Jana Nayagan”

The Story:

KVN Productions has escalated the battle over the certification of its Vijay-starring film, “Jana Nayagan,” to the Supreme Court of India. This move comes after a Division Bench of the Madras High Court stayed a Single Judge Bench’s order that directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a U/A 16+ certificate to the movie. The High Court’s stay effectively stalled the film’s scheduled release for Pongal. The production house argues that the CBFC’s initial examining committee had already cleared the film, but the Board’s chairman intervened, sending it for review.

Key Points:

  • January 12, 2026: KVN Productions petitions the Supreme Court.
  • A January 9, 2026 High Court Division Bench order froze the U/A 16+ certificate.
  • The film “Jana Nayagan,” starring Vijay, faced certification issues despite initial clearance.
  • The production house invested around ₹500 crore in the film.
  • The film was submitted for certification on December 18, 2025.
  • The CBFC’s examining committee recommended U/A 16+ certification on December 19, 2025, after revisions.
  • A CBFC Regional Officer claimed on January 5, 2026, that the chairman referred the movie to a revising committee due to a complaint from an examining committee member.
  • The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules of 2024 empower the chairman to refer a movie to a revising committee.

Critical Analysis:

The news article, taken together with one of the other articles, “‘Did We Stop Jana Nayagan?’ Parasakthi Actor Slams Vijay Fans For Bad Reviews,” implies that there may be some level of controversy or mixed feelings toward the film Jana Nayagan. This may have factored into the CBFC chairman’s decision to delay the film’s release.

Key Takeaways:

  • Film certification remains a contentious issue in India, subject to judicial intervention.
  • CBFC chairman’s authority to overrule examining committees is being challenged.
  • The stakes are high, given the significant financial investments in major film productions.
  • Delays in certification can have substantial commercial repercussions, especially for releases timed with major festivals.
  • Internal disagreements within the CBFC may influence certification decisions.

Impact Analysis:

This case could set a precedent regarding the scope of the CBFC chairman’s power and the judicial review process for film certifications. The Supreme Court’s decision will likely influence how film productions navigate the certification process in the future, potentially leading to calls for greater transparency and accountability within the CBFC. A ruling against the CBFC could curb the chairman’s power, whereas a ruling in favor of the CBFC could stifle artistic freedom.

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