Film’s release timeline shifts again
Chennai: The release of Jananayagan, starring TVK leader Vijay, is now expected to depend on a decision by the Election Commission, according to reports. The film had earlier been announced for release on January 9, ahead of the Pongal festival.
Censor hurdle and court move
The Central Board of Film Certification reportedly declined to issue a censor certificate, citing scenes that were alleged to hurt religious sentiments. As a result, the film did not release during Pongal as planned.
The producer, KVN Productions, approached the Madras High Court and later the Supreme Court, arguing that the film was made at a cost of Rs 500 crore and that delays would cause losses. The board’s counsel, however, maintained that it could not be compelled to issue a certificate within a fixed timeframe.
Re-censor completed; EC to assess election impact
KVN Productions later agreed to a re-censor process and withdrew the case. A re-censor review was held in Mumbai day before yesterday, and the board is said to have been satisfied after checking whether the objected scenes had been removed.
With Vijay now serving as a political party leader, the Election Commission is expected to examine whether the film could influence elections under the model code of conduct, and decide on granting permission for its release. Opposition parties have also alleged that the BJP was pressuring Vijay to join an electoral alliance using the film as leverage.
