The Madras High Court has reserved its order on a plea seeking a UA 16+ censor certificate for Vijay’s Jana Nayagan. The case revolves around a single panel member’s complaint that led to the film being referred to the CBFC Review Committee
Still from Jana Nayagan
The Madras High Court on Wednesday reserved its order on a petition seeking a direction to the CBFC to grant censor certificate under 'UA 16+' category to top star Thalapathy Vijay-starrer film Jana Nayagan. Justice P T Asha reserved orders on a petition filed by KVN Productions LLP, which has produced the film.
Madras HC reserves order
When the case came up for hearing, as directed by the court on Tuesday, Additional Solicitor General A R L Sunderesan produced a copy of the complaint given by one of the panel members, which examined the film. He said the Censor Board has the power to refer the decision of the committee to grant certificate to the Review Committee, if it was found subsequently, some scenes have to be deleted.
One of the panel members pointed out 14 scenes that have to be reviewed. Therefore, the decision to grant censor certificate was kept in abeyance and it was referred to the Review Committee, he added.
Senior counsel Satish Parasaran, appearing for the petitioner submitted that majority of the members took a decision to grant censor certificate. However, based on one complaint from a member, it cannot be reviewed.
Moreover, the Central government has the power to review decisions and there was no transparency in the system.
What it means for Thalapathy Vijay-starrer?
While there is no official word from the makers yet, theatres have started pulling down shows of the film and replacing them with The RajaSaab starring Prabhas. A delayed verdict from the Madras HC will now indefinitely delay the film's release.
Additionally, the film will have to be released in the next one month after which the Model Code of Conduct will be imposed and will make it even more difficult for the film to release in theatres during the election phase. Vijay will be contesting the upcoming State polls in April.
The censore timeline
Directed by H Vinoth, the film 'Jana Nayagan' stars actors Vijay, Prakash Raj, Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, among others. The film team, having completed all work, sent it for censorship on December 18. Subsequently, on December 19, the censor board that viewed the film reportedly advised the removal of some scenes and muting of some dialogues. Even after changes suggested by the censor board members were made, the censor certificate has still not been issued, the petitioner movie production house had submitted.
(with inputs from PTI)
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