CBFC Halts Vijay’s Jana Nayagan Days before Release, Triggering Political Storm in Tamil Nadu

Madras High Court hearing looms as delayed certification of Vijay’s final film fuels Centre–state blame game and free speech debate.

Actor-politician Vijay's highly anticipated Tamil film Jana Nayagan has become the focus of a political controversy after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refused to issue a censor certificate prior to its planned January 9 release, causing intense discussion in Tamil Nadu across party lines.

The Madras High Court will hear the case on Friday due to the delay, which the movie's supporters claim is a deliberate attempt to postpone its distribution for political reasons. Fans and political watchers have eagerly anticipated Jana Nayagan, which is largely regarded as Vijay's final movie before a full-time entry into politics.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, Vijay's supporters made comparisons to earlier situations in which movies starring politically engaged performers had difficulties. They stated that the reason for the delay was concern that the movie might improve Vijay's reputation prior to the state elections. Ramu Manivannan, a political analyst, planned that national parties might use the discussion to realign regional alliances.

Minister K. N. Nehru and other DMK leaders denied charges against the state government. Also highlighting that the CBFC is run by the central government rather than the state. They questioned the reasoning for holding regional authorities accountable for decisions made by a Delhi-based regulatory body.

With MPs, the Congress party also joined the fray. The delay was denounced by Jothimani as an assault on the right to free speech. Jothimani claimed that the censor board itself has turned into a political weapon and that various government investigations and actions, ranging from the Enforcement Directorate to the Income Tax Department, have been used to suppress dissident voices.

Jana Nayagan is still uncertified and its release status is uncertain as political conflict in Tamil Nadu intensifies, expanding what has grown to be a major relation of politics and movies.