‘Jana Nayagan’ makers cite legal threat from streamer amidst CBFC dispute |
The makers of Vijay’s much-anticipated ‘Jana Nayagan’ alleged that Amazon Prime Video had warned of potential legal action on December 31, due to uncertainty surrounding the release date of the film. The disclosure was made during a hearing on January 20 at the Madras High Court as part of an ongoing dispute between KVN Productions and the CBFC over the film’s censor certificate.
Amazon threatens lawsuit, ‘Jana Nayagan’ producers claim
Vijay’s farewell film, ‘Jana Nayagan,’ before he fully turns to politics, was originally slated for release on January 9, for the Pongal festivities. The makers submitted the film to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on December 18, and after the initial screening, the committee reportedly asked for 27 cuts. The makers made the changes and submitted the revised version of the film to the CBFC on December 22. The producers alleged that they approached the court as there was ‘no communication’ from the CBFC between December 25 and January 5, despite multiple requests for updates.As reported by Live Law, the producers disclosed that the streamer had informed them of a possible lawsuit if the release date remained uncertain. Senior Advocate Satish Parasaran, appearing for KVN Productions, argued that only a ‘communication’ was provided rather than a formal ‘order’ that could be contested in court, leaving them without a clear legal remedy to challenge the decision.
CBFC questions the release announcement
The counsel for the producers also stated that they were instructed to reinsert previously deleted scenes before sending the film to the revising committee, describing the process as an ’empty exercise.’However, the Additional Solicitor General (ASG), representing the CBFC, asked why the release date was announced before the certification was granted. The ‘Jana Nayagan’ producers pointed at ‘Dhurandhar 2’ and argued that it was common practice to announce the release date before certificate clearance. The Chief Justice examined the urgency of the plea and observed that granting expedited hearings in such matters could potentially ‘set a precedent.’ The hearing also addressed procedural issues, where the producers argued that the examining committee members should not simultaneously act as complainants. They also argued that the same member had no objection to granting certification to the film earlier.The ASG informed the court that he ‘came prepared’ with a sealed cover containing records and a complaint from the CBFC’s Mumbai regional office. As per the complaint, the ‘Jana Nayagan’ hurt religious sentiments and also had an objectionable portrayal of the armed forces.The Madras High Court, on January 20, reserved its orders on a writ appeal filed by CBFC against a single judge’s order directing it to issue a U/A 16+ certificate for the film. The makers will have to hold the film’s release until then. Disclaimer: This report is based on current judicial filings and reports from legal correspondents. As the matter is sub judice before the Supreme Court of India, all information regarding hearing dates and film certification is subject to change based on the court’s official orders. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of the film’s release date.
