The film ‘Jana Nayakan’, scheduled for release on January 9, has run into trouble just before its release in India. The film team, led by director H. Vinoth, is still awaiting approval from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The matter is being heard in the Madras High Court on Wednesday, January 7. This delay has increased pressure on the filmmakers, especially since this film is considered to be Thalapathy Vijay’s last film. Despite the uncertainty in India, the film has received its first official censor clearance abroad. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has granted ‘Jana Nayakan’ a 15 rating for release in the UK, allowing audiences aged 15 and above to watch it in theaters. The film is slated for release in India and globally on Friday. It is also expected to clash at the box office with Prabhas’ film ‘Raja Saab’.
Film Ready for Release in the UK
With ‘Jana Nayakan’ receiving clearance in the UK, it has become the first market to give the Thalapathy Vijay starrer the green light, while the film is battling for last-minute approval in its home country. According to information on the BBFC website, ‘Jana Nayakan’ has been given a 15 age rating. This means that no one under the age of 15 may see 15-rated material in cinemas. No one under the age of 15 may rent or buy 15-rated videos. The film’s additional details are listed as ‘strong bloody violence, detail of injury and references to sexual violence’.
No Approval in India Yet
The film team submitted it for certification on December 18. On December 19, the committee reviewing the film reportedly suggested removing certain scenes and muting some dialogues. The producers stated that the changes were made; however, the film was resubmitted. Still, approval has not been granted. Following this, the producers filed a petition in the Madras High Court for a censor certificate. During the hearing on Tuesday, January 6, Justice P.T. Asha orally directed the CBFC to submit a copy of the complaint alleging that the film offends religious sentiments to the court. The board was instructed to submit the document by Wednesday, January 7. Further updates regarding the hearing are awaited.
