Thalapathy Vijay in Jana Nayagan.
Jana Nayagan Censor Row: Verdict being announced
The bench is giving details of the facts of the case and the complaint that led to the certificate not being granted.
Jana Nayagan Movie: Will Vijay's film clear the censor hurdle today?
The delay in Jana Nayagan's release is proving costly for the makers, not just financially but also politically. The Vijay-starrer should hit theatres before the Election Commission of India (ECI) announces the schedule for Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections. Vijay will be contesting in the election for his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). If the Moral Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into force, then ECI has the authority to stop the screening as Jana Nayagan might influence the voters.
Jana Nayagan Release: What is Jana Nayagan all about?
The film’s synopsis on the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) website read: “In this action thriller, a man takes on corrupt officials and an arms dealer hell-bent on sowing chaos and division.”
Jana Nayagan Movie Case Verdict: KVN Productions explain CBFC standoff
Jana Nayagan Release Row: Rumours about film's Feb release go viral
Ahead of the Madras High Court verdict, rumours about the makers informing the overseas distributors to prepare for February 6 have been doing the rounds. It is being speculated that the legal dispute may have reached an amicable settlement with CBFC agreeing to issue a U/A 16+ certificate.
However, these are mere rumours. Any release date for Jana Nayagan will be decided based on the Madras High Court verdict. There are high chances for both parties to go for a Supreme Court appeal if the verdict isn't in their favour.
Jana Nayagan Hearing: What was the internal complaint from CBFC all about?
One of the five members of the Examination Committee raised a complaint against Jana Nayagan censor clearance alleging that the film could disrupt religious harmony.
Claiming that the board officials did not follow due process, the member wrote, "The film has shown some visuals and dialogues in which foreign powers creating religious conflict at large scale in India which may disturb religious harmony of this great country. There are many Army related references in the film but no defence expert has been included in the EC to address these issues. There are procedural lapses during examination of the film which is gross violation of the Cinematograph Act and Rules (sic)."
The member also mentioned that he watched Jana Nayagan on January 19 and his objections were not considered during examination of the film.
Vijay Movie Jana Nayagan: Verdict to be announced at 10:30 am
Madras High Court Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan will be pronouncing their verdict at 10:30 am today.
Vijay Movie Jana Nayagan: Makers claimed to have invested Rs 500 crore
During the arguments in front of the Madras High Court judges, the counsel for KVN Productions argued that they have invested Rs 500 crore on Vijay's Jana Nayagan and that they are struggling with uncertainity in release date.
Jana Nayagan Movie: If the court rules in their favour, makers might go for February release
The makers of Jana Nayagan are hoping for a favourable verdict after making their case in front of the Madras High Court. If all goes well and CBFC doesn't go for further appeal, the film could release on February 6 or February 13. However, everything depends on the verdict today.
Jana Nayagan Censor Row: Timeline of the legal dispute
Jana Nayagan Release: Will Vijay's film clear censor hurdle today?
The makers of Vijay's Jana Nayagan have been fighting it out in the court since the start of January. The film was supposed to hit theatres on January 6, but was postponed indefinitely after CBFC referred the film to the revising committee after an internal complaint alleged that there were scenes that could hurt religious sentiments.
Curated by James Chen
