The Madras High Court passed an interim order on Thursday restraining cable operators and internet service providers from illegally broadcasting or facilitating access to pirated or leaked copies of the Vijay-starrer film Jana Nayagan. This comes amid the legal suit filed by KVN Productions after the leaked copy of the film was telecast on TV.
Madras HC restains illegal broadcasting
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, while hearing the case filed by KVN Productions LLP, the co-producer of the film, passed the order. The producers had alleged that the movie had been leaked online even before receiving certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Notably, the court`s interim order passed on April 16, will remain in force till June 2. The matter will be heard further thereafter.
KVN Productions had argued that the pre-release leak was a serious threat to the film’s commercial viability, since such pirated versions could be widely circulated through cable networks and online platforms, leading to irreparable financial loss.
They also stated that its latest suit was filed as a quia timet (parties seeking relief against anticipated harms) action, based on a reasonable apprehension of large-scale piracy. The producer also submitted that several “rogue websites” hosting pirated content do not comply with takedown requests and often create mirror domains to evade blocking orders. Thus, it sought a dynamic injunction directing intermediaries to stop access to such infringing platforms.
The Court was also informed that damages would be an inadequate remedy, since such a case of piracy, especially a pre-release leak, would erode theatrical revenues and significantly reduce the value of satellite and digital rights. Accepting the prima facie case, the Court restrained the defendants, which included multiple cable operators and ISPs, from copying, recording, reproducing, transmitting or making available the film in any manner without due authorisation. The injunction also extended to distribution through mediums like cable television, internet services, and physical storage devices.
About Jana Nayagan row
Jana Nayagan was believed to be Vijay’s last film before his entry into politics. The film was initially scheduled for release on January 9, coinciding with the festival of Pongal. However, the release was delayed after the film was referred to the CBFC`s revising committee over a complaint about improper portrayal of defence forces and scenes that could potentially hurt religious sentiments.
The film’s producer had approached the Madras High Court challenging the delay from the CBFC. On January 9, a single-judge bench of the High Court granted the filmmakers relief, ordering CBFC to give a final censor certificate. However, a Division Bench later stayed the single-judge ruling just a few hours later. The Supreme Court too refused to interfere with this stay order.
While the final censor certificate is yet to be issued, the film was leaked online on April 9, 2026.
