The makers of Vijay’s much anticipated Tamil film Jana Nayagan argued before the Madras High Court that announcing a release date before receiving certification from the Central Board of Film Certification is a common and accepted industry practice. During the hearing, they cited the example of Dhurandhar 2, stating that its release date was also announced prior to obtaining censor clearance.
Makers cite Dhurandhar 2
The argument was presented as part of an ongoing legal dispute surrounding the delay in Jana Nayagan’s certification. The film, produced by KVN Productions, was originally scheduled for a Pongal release. However, complications arose when the CBFC referred the film to a revising committee shortly before its planned release, leading to uncertainty around its theatrical debut.
Representing the makers, senior advocate Satish Parasaran submitted that film production and release involve long term planning, including promotions, distribution arrangements, and agreements with exhibitors and streaming platforms. He explained that announcing a release date while certification is still in process is a long standing practice across the industry, and not a violation of any rule. According to him, expecting producers to wait until certification is complete would disrupt carefully planned schedules and cause significant financial losses.
The bench questioned the timing of Jana Nayagan’s release announcement, prompting the producers to defend their position by highlighting precedents within the industry. They pointed out that several films, including Dhurandhar 2, had publicly declared release dates before receiving CBFC certificates, reinforcing their argument that the practice is neither unusual nor unlawful.
All about the controversy
The makers also informed the court that Jana Nayagan had already received clearance for release in multiple international territories, which further strengthened their case. They expressed concern that continued delays in certification could impact contractual obligations and audience expectations, especially given the scale and anticipation surrounding the film.
Earlier, the producers had approached the Supreme Court seeking relief after the certification process stalled. However, the apex court declined to intervene and directed the Madras High Court to hear and decide the matter expeditiously.
The High Court has now reserved its order, and the final decision is expected to determine the film’s certification status and eventual release. The case has once again brought attention to the challenges faced by filmmakers in navigating certification timelines, especially for high profile releases.
Jana Nayagan makers cite Dhurandhar 2 release date reveal before CBFC clearance
