Actor Mahendran Slams Jana Nayagan Row, Calls Stalling Vijay’s Film an Attack on Free Speech

Tamil actor Mahendran has strongly criticised the move to stall the release of Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay, calling it an unjustified action that goes against India’s long-standing tradition of freedom of expression. Speaking amid the growing controversy surrounding the film’s censor clearance, Mahendran described the delay as deeply unfair and damaging to creative liberty.

Addressing the issue, Mahendran stressed that freedom of speech has always been one of the defining strengths of Indian democracy. He stated that cinema, like any other art form, thrives on expression and debate, and suppressing a film without clear justification undermines that foundation. According to him, the ongoing row reflects a troubling trend where creative works are scrutinised more harshly based on the stature of the individuals involved rather than their actual content.

Mahendran argued that cinema has historically explored complex, uncomfortable, and even controversial themes, yet many such films have reached audiences without obstruction. He pointed out that Jana Nayagan appears to be facing resistance largely because of Vijay’s immense popularity and influence. In his view, selectively targeting a film because it features a leading star sets a dangerous precedent for the industry.

Calling the decision to withhold the film’s release a serious misstep, Mahendran highlighted that the majority of the examining committee had already cleared the film and granted it a U/A certificate. He questioned why a project that had received approval from most members of the panel was subsequently stalled, suggesting that such reversals erode confidence in the certification process itself.

Rejecting claims that the film could have a harmful impact on society, Mahendran expressed strong faith in Vijay’s choices as an actor. He said that Vijay has consistently been mindful of his influence and would not associate himself with content that promotes social harm or moral corruption. Mahendran also noted that much of the criticism appears speculative, as many critics have not even seen the film to substantiate their allegations.

He further underlined the collective responsibility involved in filmmaking, pointing out that Jana Nayagan was shaped by an experienced team of assistant directors, editors, and writers. According to him, such a seasoned crew would not have proceeded with content that was genuinely objectionable. He emphasised that filmmaking is a collaborative process, and any serious issues would likely have been addressed during production itself.

Mahendran also suggested that if specific visuals or elements were a concern, they could have been handled through minor modifications rather than halting the film entirely. He said that issues related to symbols or imagery could have been resolved through blurring or edits, a practice commonly used in the certification process. Completely stalling the release, he argued, was an extreme and unnecessary step.

Jana Nayagan features a strong ensemble cast including Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani, and Narain. The film’s music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, adding to expectations around the project.

The makers are currently aiming for a Republic Day theatrical release and are awaiting a hearing at the Madras High Court regarding the stay on the film’s censor certificate. As the debate continues, Mahendran’s remarks have added weight to industry voices calling for greater transparency, consistency, and respect for artistic freedom in the certification process.