Piracy has become a persistent issue in Indian cinema. Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan, which has been awaiting clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since December 2025, became the latest victim when the action drama was leaked last week. Disturbed by the episode, the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to take action against the menace. 

H Vinoth

In its letter dated April 11, the organisation has not only highlighted the need for stringent measures against those aiding piracy, but also indicated how a delay in the certification process makes films vulnerable to online leaks. 

In 2025, Salman Khan’s ‘Sikandar’ fell prey to piracy before its release

When mid-day reached out to Anil Nagrath, Secretary, IMPPA, he noted that the industry has been spotlighting this issue for years. He said, “Platforms like Telegram, torrent websites, and illegal portals like Tamilrockers are still operating. If the government has banned 36 porn sites and other digital platforms, why doesn’t it ensure the entire apparatus of piracy is taken down too?”

Nagrath pointed out that the H Vinoth-directed Tamil film couldn’t meet its January 9 release date since it was stuck at the certification stage. “The CBFC referred it to the Revising Committee. Earlier, producers could go to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal [FCAT], but the government shut it down. The fate of Jana Nayagan has been hanging, while scenes from the film, which has been in CBFC’s possession, have leaked online. While I’m not making a direct allegation [against the CBFC], it amounts to this only. We’re unable to tackle the problem of piracy. Producers are significant contributors to the PM’s Make in India initiative. Why not help us too? The government should find the culprits and put them in jail.”

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Links taken down that were hosting the leaked content