The makers of Vijay's Jana Nayagan have approached the Supreme Court, challenging an interim stay by the Madras High Court on the film's certification. The appeal was filed after the Chief Justice of the Madras HC stayed an order by Justice PT Asha directing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant the film a U/A 16+ certificate.
The CBFC had argued that they weren't given time to file a counter-affidavit after Justice Asha's judgment, and that Justice Asha had quashed an order from the CBFC Chairman without any appeal being filed. The movie's release has been delayed due to a complaint alleging that its content hurts religious sentiments.
Jana Nayagan features an ensemble cast, including Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, Pooja Hegde, and Narain. Directed by H Vinoth, the film's music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, with cinematography by Sathyan Sooryan and editing by Pradeep E Ragav. The film is co-produced by Jagadish Palanisamy and Lohith NK, and is Vijay's final film before his full-time transition to politics.
The ongoing censorship row has prompted calls for reform in the film certification process, with veteran actor Kamal Haasan urging the government to set up a regulatory body to oversee the CBFC and ensure transparency and accountability. The Madras High Court will next hear the matter on January 21, and the Supreme Court is expected to take up the appeal on January 12.