After months of uncertainty, Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s much delayed Jana Nayagan has finally crossed its biggest hurdle. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has granted the political action thriller an A certificate, bringing to an end a seven month long censorship process that had kept one of Tamil cinema’s most anticipated films waiting on the sidelines.
The development comes just as Ahimsa Entertainment, which is distributing the film across the UK and Europe, unveiled a new promotional asset carrying the caption, “One Last Time”, signalling that the film’s theatrical release is now imminent.
However, the certification has come with several conditions. The CBFC has directed the makers to implement 12 cuts and modifications before the film reaches theatres. Among the most notable changes is the modification of a visual featuring Dr. BR Ambedkar on the cover of a book. Dialogues mentioning Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), have also been removed or altered.
One of the film’s key dialogues has also undergone a significant change. The original phrase, “Ambedkar sattam”, has been replaced with “TVK sattam”, as directed by the board.
The film’s censor journey had become one of the most discussed topics in the industry after CBFC Chairperson Prasoon Joshi referred it to a Revising Committee following a complaint alleging that portions of the film depicted “religious sentiments and the armed forces in an objectionable manner.” The extended review process ultimately delayed the film’s release by several months.
Dialogue mutes, visual edits and a release finally in sight
Apart from the dialogue modifications, the board has instructed the makers to remove a shot showing the Indian national flag falling to the ground and replace a visual featuring a DC office badge or insignia being rolled down.
Several words and references have also been ordered to be muted. These include “Bhagavatham”, “Ranganathar”, “OM”, “New India” during the explanation of Operation Meluha, along with a few expletives. The dialogue referring to Saddam’s execution, “Thookula thudikiratha… avanae mediala leak panni”, has also been directed to be muted or replaced.
The CBFC has additionally asked the makers to mute the entire dialogue, “Ponnoda… kuduthu vachirukkanum, Udambu erukkunnu”, as well as the words “India en kalla vizha vaikaren”. Another visual depicting a child being burnt has been ordered to be removed and replaced, while the word “Siluvaila” has also been muted. The name “Sheela Rani” has similarly been asked to be replaced wherever it appears in the film.
The censor clearance marks the end of a turbulent chapter for the production. Apart from its prolonged stand off with the certification board, Jana Nayagan also suffered a major setback when the complete film was leaked online in a large scale piracy incident, creating fresh concerns for the makers ahead of its release.
Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan features an ensemble cast led by Vijay, alongside Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol and Mamitha Baiju. The supporting cast includes Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain and Priyamani. Produced by Venkat K Narayana under the KVN Productions banner, the film marks the production house’s entry into Tamil cinema.
While the makers have never officially acknowledged it, Jana Nayagan has frequently been compared on social media to the 2023 Telugu hit Bhagavanth Kesari, with many viewers pointing to similarities in its narrative and character arcs.
With the censor process finally complete, the focus now shifts to the film’s theatrical release, ending a wait that has tested the patience of fans, exhibitors and the makers alike.
Also Read: Fact Check: Vijay Deverakonda’s Team Responds to Viral Rumours About Ranabaali
By
