High Court Clears Vijay's Jana Nayagan for Release, Slams CBFC for 'Dangerous Trend'

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The Madras High Court has ruled in favor of Vijay's Tamil film Jana Nayagan, directing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant a 'UA 16+' certificate and paving the way for its theatrical release. The court set aside the CBFC chairperson's decision to send the film for a fresh review, citing a lack of jurisdiction. The court found that the complaint that triggered the review was an 'afterthought' and warned that such complaints could set a 'dangerous trend.' It held that the CBFC chairperson acted arbitrarily and without justification in reopening the certification process. The film's producers, KVN Productions, had moved the court after the CBFC referred the film to the Revising Committee just days before its scheduled release. The committee had previously recommended certification subject to certain cuts and modifications, which the producers had implemented. The court noted that the delay in issuing the certificate had caused significant financial losses, mental stress, and reputational harm to the production house, which had invested nearly ₹500 crore in the film. The court also expressed disapproval of the CBFC's conduct, reminding it that it functioned as a statutory authority. In its verdict, the court held that the CBFC's order lacked jurisdiction and that the certificate should have been issued automatically after the producers implemented the recommended modifications. The court has directed the CBFC to issue the certificate forthwith, clearing the way for the film's release.