The upcoming film Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay, has landed in controversy following objections raised by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Directed by H Vinod and produced by KVN Productions, the big-budget film was slated for release on January 9 as a Sankranthi festive release.

According to CBFC officials, the film contains several scenes that could potentially disturb communal harmony and reference alleged conspiracies involving foreign forces. Citing these concerns, the board referred the film to a nine-member revising committee. It was also noted that multiple scenes involving security forces and the absence of subject-matter experts in the initial screening committee contributed to the decision.

Challenging the delay, the filmmakers approached the Madras High Court, where a single-judge bench initially directed the CBFC to issue a censor certificate. However, the certification body filed a writ petition opposing the order, leading to further legal complications. While the matter was under consideration, the filmmakers moved the Supreme Court of India, which declined to hear the case and asked the High Court to decide the issue.

The Madras High Court later observed that it would be inappropriate for the filmmakers to seek certification without addressing the objections raised by the CBFC, as the writ petition filed by the board remains pending. The court also acknowledged the procedural delays caused by the revising committee process, leaving the film’s release date uncertain.

Meanwhile, actor Mansoor Ali Khan stirred fresh controversy with sharp remarks against the censor board during a film event in Chennai. He criticised the CBFC for what he termed a discriminatory approach, questioning why films such as The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story were cleared, while Jana Nayagan continues to face hurdles. He further suggested that the censor body should function independently, without central government control, and include representatives from within the film industry.