Chennai, Jan 7 (NationPress) The censor certification of 'Jana Nayagan', the anticipated Tamil film featuring Vijay, encountered a significant last-minute obstacle on Wednesday. The Madras High Court heard intense arguments just days before its planned theatrical release on January 9.

The situation arose when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) unexpectedly halted the issuance of the censor certificate and referred the film for re-evaluation by a newly formed review committee. This move came despite an earlier recommendation to grant a U/A certificate following the removal of specific scenes and muting of certain dialogues.

This unexpected turn has cast a shadow over the high-profile Pongal release.

Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, 'Jana Nayagan' stars Vijay in the lead role, alongside Pooja Hegde and Mamitha Baiju.

The film is reported to have a colossal budget of approximately Rs 500 crore and is set to release in over 5,000 theatres across 22 countries and four languages.

Excitement around the film is heightened as it is widely regarded as Vijay’s last major cinematic endeavor before he fully transitions into politics.

During the court proceedings, senior counsel Satish Parasaran, along with advocate Vijayan Subrahmanian, representing the producers, asserted that the application for censor certification was submitted on December 18.

The regional CBFC office, after screening the film on December 22, directed the removal of certain scenes and the muting of some dialogues, recommending a U/A certificate.

The production team complied with these directives and made all the necessary changes.

However, just as the certificate was anticipated, the CBFC chairperson dispatched an email indicating that a complaint had been lodged concerning certain scenes and dialogues, leading to the film being referred for review.

The producers contested this action, arguing that since 'Jana Nayagan' has neither been released nor publicly screened, there is no basis for any third-party complaint.

They further asserted that after the CBFC's recommendation for a U/A certificate, the chairperson lacked the authority to unilaterally send the film for re-examination.

The producers' counsel highlighted that delaying certification at this critical moment, when global release preparations were finalized, was arbitrary and unjustified, risking substantial financial losses and irreversible damage.

They sought an order compelling the CBFC to issue the censor certificate promptly.

In opposition, Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan, representing the CBFC, contended that all films, regardless of budget or star power, are treated equally under the law.

He noted that complaints had been received claiming that certain scenes could offend religious sentiments, adding that the film includes visuals of security force insignia, which may require appropriate permissions.

The CBFC acted in accordance with statutory provisions and needed time to respond in detail.

During the hearing, the High Court questioned the CBFC on the sudden referral of a film previously approved for a U/A certificate, the specifics of deleted scenes, and how a complaint could arise before the film's release.

After considering all arguments, the Madras High Court reserved its judgment, stating that the decision regarding censor certification for 'Jana Nayagan' would be announced on January 9, the same day the film is set to release, leaving its immediate theatrical prospects uncertain.