Jana Nayagan Sent to CBFC Revising Committee: What Lies Ahead for Vijay’s Farewell Film

Actor-politician Vijay’s much-anticipated final film Jana Nayagan has entered a new phase in its certification journey, with the project now being referred to the revising committee of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The development follows weeks of legal and administrative uncertainty that have delayed the film’s theatrical release and heightened anticipation among fans and exhibitors alike.

Sources indicate that the decision to approach the revising committee was taken by the producers, KVN Productions, after a prolonged standoff with the censor board. On Monday evening, producer KL Narayana formally moved to withdraw the writ petition filed against the CBFC before the Madras High Court. The petition, which had challenged the non-issuance of the censor certificate, is scheduled to be taken up for withdrawal, signalling a shift away from the legal route towards an administrative resolution.

The film was originally slated for a January 9 theatrical release but was postponed indefinitely after certification delays. While speculation suggests the makers are eyeing a February release, there has been no official confirmation, and the CBFC has maintained silence on the revising committee’s formation and timeline.

The revising committee process comes into play when objections are raised after an initial examination. In the case of Jana Nayagan, CBFC representatives had informed the court earlier that the certificate was withheld following an internal complaint by a board member. The objections reportedly related to certain dialogues that were claimed to have the potential to hurt religious sentiments, as well as the use of armed forces emblems without oversight from a defence expert, as mandated under certification rules.

Under CBFC guidelines, a revising committee is constituted with the Chairperson or a senior board member and nine advisory panel members who were not part of the original examining committee. Each member watches the film in full and records an independent opinion, with the final decision taken through a majority vote. If required, a defence expert may also be included in the panel, given the nature of the objections raised.

Industry observers note that forming the revising committee itself can take up to two weeks, followed by additional time for screening and deliberation. CBFC officials have reiterated that the entire certification process remains confidential until a certificate is issued, after which details will be uploaded to the board’s official portal.

The legal battle surrounding Jana Nayagan has seen multiple twists. Earlier, a single-judge bench of the Madras High Court had directed the CBFC to certify the film, but the order was later set aside by a division bench, which called for a fresh hearing and allowed the producers to amend their plea. With the makers now choosing to withdraw the case, the focus has shifted entirely to the revising committee’s verdict.

The stakes remain high, not only because Jana Nayagan marks Vijay’s farewell to cinema, but also due to the political context. With Tamil Nadu Assembly elections expected to be announced soon, there is speculation that the Election Commission of India could intervene if the film is perceived to influence voters, given Vijay’s role as the leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

For now, clarity on the film’s fate hinges on the revising committee’s decision. Theatre owners, distributors, and fans continue to wait as Jana Nayagan navigates its final hurdle before a possible big-screen release.