- Vijay accused the BJP-led Centre of delaying Jana Nayagan's certification
- Jana Nayagan was initially slated for release ahead of Pongal
- However, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ordered a review by a revising committee
After weeks of silence over the fate of his much-awaited film Jana Nayagan, actor and TVK chief Vijay today tacitly accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of indulging in a "blame game" over the delay in certification of his farewell film.
Addressing a rally in Thanjavur, the Chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) linked the non-certification of Jana Nayagan to his interrogation by the CBI following the Karur rally stampede that killed 41 people.
This is the second time in recent weeks that Vijay has publicly criticised the Centre over these issues. Earlier, he had described them as harassment.
Jana Nayagan, widely projected as Vijay's farewell film before his full-fledged plunge into politics, was initially slated for release ahead of Pongal in the first week of January. However, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ordered a review by a revising committee.
There were allegations that the yet-to-be-released film contains intense violence and certain references to the Army, prompting calls for it to be examined by subject experts before certification.
The producer subsequently moved the Madras High Court, alleging that the revising committee had assured certification subject to recommended cuts but failed to grant clearance even after compliance. A single judge directed the CBFC to issue a U/A 16+ certificate. However, a two-judge bench later stayed that order.
The producers then approached the Supreme Court of India but eventually withdrew the plea, choosing instead to allow the CBFC's revising committee to complete its review process.
The film is yet to see the light of day, raising wider questions within the industry about freedom of expression and procedural delays in film certification.
Political Undercurrents
At his Thanjavur rally today, Vijay thanked those who had "raised their voice" for the film's release, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who he said had tacitly taken up the cause. "My thanks to all of them," he said.
Amid allegations from the opposition that the BJP was using the issue to arm-twist him into aligning with the NDA, the Bharatiya Janata Party has denied any role. The saffron party has maintained that the CBFC is an independent and professional body and that the government has no hand in certification decisions.
There is also growing concern within the industry that further delay could complicate the film's release once the Model Code of Conduct comes into force following poll notification. Some observers have drawn parallels with the restrictions faced by the biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the 2019 general election.
However, Team Vijay has dismissed such comparisons, arguing that Jana Nayagan is a work of fiction and does not promote Vijay in his political avatar.
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